Answer Summary

Members overwhelmingly reassured someone experiencing frightening left-sided chest pain that this symptom is common with fibromyalgia, with... Read more

Members overwhelmingly reassured someone experiencing frightening left-sided chest pain that this symptom is common with fibromyalgia, with many sharing they had initially feared heart attacks and rushed to the ER before learning their hearts were fine. Several members identified the pain as costochondritis, an inflammation of the chest wall that mimics cardiac symptoms, and recommended treatments including ice packs, ibuprofen, red light therapy, and gently pressing along the breastbone to identify sore spots. A recurring theme was the importance of getting chest pain medically evaluated to rule out heart issues, while also recognizing that sharp, zapping nerve pain in the chest, shoulders, neck, and ribs is a legitimate and scary part of living with fibromyalgia.