Chest pain when sitting at work for a long time, which specialist should I see?

(Ms. Bui Thi Huong, residing in Nhon Trach district)

Doctor replied:

Hello!

With the symptoms you described: pain in the middle of the chest when sitting for a long time at work, but reduced when standing up and walking, the doctor found that this condition is most commonly caused by: Pain in the paraspinal muscles and ligaments of the thoracic spine.

When sitting for a long time in a fixed position, especially at a desk, the muscles next to the spine and the ligaments in the chest area can easily become stiff and overstretched, leading to pain in the middle chest area.

To determine the cause, you should see a doctor for specific advice, possibly taking an additional X-ray of the thoracic spine. X-ray images will help the doctor assess the condition of the bones, joints, spine, and rule out other more serious causes.

To improve this situation, you should do some of the following methods:

Exercise and change your lifestyle: You should regularly change your posture, do some twisting and turning, stretching, and standing up and walking around every 45-60 minutes of work.
Supportive physical therapy: Can combine additional methods such as electroacupuncture, massage, electropulse, and ultrasound therapy to help relax muscles, relieve pain, increase blood circulation, and restore motor function of muscles and ligaments.

In addition, you should visit a Musculoskeletal specialist or a Traditional Medicine - Rehabilitation specialist for a specific examination and advice on an appropriate treatment program.

Note, if during treatment the symptoms do not improve, or there are additional unusual symptoms such as spreading pain, numbness and weakness in the limbs, you need to notify your doctor immediately for further evaluation.

Doctor Nguyen Huynh Lam,

Traditional Medicine - Rehabilitation, Ai Nghia Medical System