What should you know about cervicogenic angina?

Pain from the cervical spine can travel into the chest, shoulder, arm or upper back. Neck stiffness, a restricted range of movement, pain that changes with posture, or tingling may support a neck-related explanation. These features do not safely rule out angina, a heart problem caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. A clinician may consider the neck, muscles and nerves only after assessing the heart and other urgent causes.

If the discomfort is new, recurring or unexplained, arrange medical assessment. An examination may include the neck, nerves, blood pressure and heart, with an Electrocardiogram when appropriate. Keep a note of what brings on the pain, how long it lasts, where it spreads, and whether neck movement changes it. Do not start or stop Blood Pressure Medication or Statin Therapy without advice.

Seek emergency help for chest pressure or tightness that is severe, persistent or worsening, especially with breathlessness, sweating, nausea, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back. Treat chest symptoms as urgent even if you also have neck pain or believe the cause is muscular. Chest Tightness that settles and returns still deserves prompt clinical advice.

Could my symptoms come from my neck, and what findings support that view? Which heart checks are appropriate? What movements or activities should I avoid while the cause is being assessed?