Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 7/15/2008

Question
I have been having pain in my upper back on the left side as well as tightness in left side of chest and numbness and slight muscular pain in left arm into fingers as well as left leg as well. I have visited a chiropractor for symptoms of a slipped rib. I visited a walk in clinic and he seemed to think it was problem with my rhomboid muscle. I also have triplets that i carry in my left arm almost on a daily basis. Do you think this is muscle related and if so do you advise chiropractic care, stretches or a massage therapist. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Tricia

Answer
Without an actual exam, it is a little difficult to diagnose, but I will do my best.  Having the left arm pain is usually a flag for heart.  Have your family doctor check that first to make sure it is ok medically.  Barring any heart issues, it is probably a muscular problem, involving all of the muscles of the shoulder girdle.  Overworked and strained, they can give a great amount of pain, and a good chiropractor will assess that, treat it, and set you up in a good rehab program to help strengthen them.