The term precordial chest pain refers to all types of pain occurring on the left antero-lateral chest wall, in front of the heart, without the latter being implicated. Unlike the pain caused by angina, precordial chest pain is not relieved by taking nitroglycerine.
These types of pain, whatever their origin, have similar characteristics: they are of low intensity, are not influenced by respiratory motion or physical exertion, and spread to the jaw, neck, left arm and, in some cases, even to the back .
Unlike pain caused by a heart problem, which usually affect a rather large portion of the chest, precordial chest pain is so localized that the patient is able to pinpoint its location with a finger. Precordial chest pain often manifests itself in the form of chest tightness, cramping or burning sensations. The diagnosis of precordial chest pain is more difficult when the affected person is – or has been in the past – subject to heart diseases like myocardial infarction and angina, just to name a few. The doctor is then the sole authority to determine if the condition is precordial chest pain or pain of cardiac origin.
There are a number of various causes that can be responsible for precordial chest pain. The pain may be due to muscle damage, especially in regard to the intercostal muscles. Skin lesions, in cases of shingles for example, can lead to precordial chest pain. One may also mention bone diseases, especially the ones that affect the sternum and ribs. Precordial chest pain may be the result of a pleural or mediastinal infection. Finally, stress may also be responsible for the onset of precordial chest pain.
Homoeopathy provides an array of remedies that may be used to relieve precordial chest pain. For informational purposes know that, regardless of the condition to be treated, it is mandatory to follow a series of rules: always take the remedy outside of meals so that it retains all of its therapeutic effectiveness, avoid contact with the skin as much as possible, carefully follow the indicated dosage and the days and dates on which intakes are required. The remedies are mentioned on an indicative basis since in homeopathy each treatment is strictly tailored to each individual. If the cause of precordial chest pain is known, it is important to treat it at the same time as the pain itself.
To relieve pain, one may resort to Tabacum 9 to 15 CH, Abies Nigra 4 to 5 CH or Colocynthis 5 to7 CH, to be taken at the time of attacks. To deal with painful burning sensations that spread to the mouth and back, a dose of Robinia 5 CH may be sufficient, and must be taken a few minutes after the evening meal. If pain occurs after a meal, Nux vomica 5 CH is indicated. A single dose is normally sufficient but if the pain persists an additional intake might be necessary. Arnica is indicated for pain due to overexertion or stress. Take 5 granules of Arnica 4 to 5 CH before going to bed.
If the patient is sure that the pain he or she feels is not of cardiac origin, he or she may resort to a homoeopathic remedy. If the treatment does not alleviate the pain or if, on the other hand, it intensifies it, do not hesitate to consult a doctor. In case of doubt on the origin of pain, refrain from taking any medication and seek immediate medical attention in order to obtain a precise diagnosis.
Good to know: There are numerous types of drugs that can be taken to treat precordial chest pain but homoeopathy remains a first rate choice to relieve these hindering painful sensations, thanks to effective remedies that have the advantage of not being harmful to the patient’s health, in addition to which they are deprived of side-effects.
