Just started couch to 5K and got pain in my neck, jaw and left ear.

[MojoGlw]

I’ve just started couch to 5k and whilst I was running I got a pain in my neck, jaw and ear like it’s severely cold?

I’ve been checked out for angina recently, and had a heart monitor test / ECG / heart scan all with a clean bill of health. What is this?

I get the same thing even just walking if there’s a cold wind blowing.

I’m only 33 and not overweight but live a sedentary lifestyle (until a pandemic comes along and gives a wake up call!!)

What could this be and is there anything I can do to avoid it? It really put me off my run. Hated it! 😩😩

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

The upper body can feel it on a run, and it’s not something we’d expect as it’s the bottom half of us doing all the work. Have a look at things like YTW exercises (standing) they’re easy to do and will help in the neck and shoulders... increasing blood flow to there and above. With all things fitness, it’ll improve over time... cross training is the answer to a lot of problems. Try to run with your chin just ahead of your breastbone, looking ahead rather than down.

Hope this helps

[Hidden]

I sometimes feel a stiffness in one of my arms/shoulders as I run. If it starts I just swing my arms around for a bit as I run (must look at bit like a boxer!) and it frees up.

[Rumour Graduate]

DO NOT IGNORE IT!!!

You have obviously had a reason to be checked out before, so this could be a further manifestation of that same problem. I had a stent fitted in 2005 after they found a nearly 95% blockage in a coronary artery. Fast forward 14 years and I started to get the symptoms again when running. Another Angiogram and I was told I was OK, but I wasn't! Two more Angiograms, a stress MRI and I was still having problems.

I read about a pressure Angiogram that tested the pressure either side of the stent. And BINGO! partially blocked stent. Do not just take what they say as gospel. Don't leave it, neck and jaw pains or aches are indicative of a problem with your heart. The cold can make the problem worse.

I know doctors are really busy right now, but make that appointment and ease up on the running until you get an answer. Imagine you running in an isolated spot and having a heart attack. It is just not worth the risk. Good luck and don't let them tell you that all is OK!

[MojoGlw in reply to Rumour]

Wow, that’s pretty sobering stuff. I thought when I got the clear before just under two years ago that all was fine and I was just very unfit, but you’re given me food for thought. Thank you for your reply, everyone.

[Rumour Graduate in reply to MojoGlw]

Are you on Statins? I was from day one in 2005, but although they do work, you do have to really watch what you eat. I hope I didn't worry you too much, but the last thing you need is an episode while out running (Well, anywhere really). Stick with your gut instinct if you feel something isn't right. My doctor wrote a few letters to get the Stress MRI (where they effectively give you a heart attack) and pressure test. He really fought my corner.

Back running again, we run three times a week and I feel as good as a 69 year old can feel while exerting himself! Good luck to you and stand your ground. Stay safe and watch out for that bloody virus!

[MojoGlw in reply to Rumour]

Well around ten years ago I was getting pains in my chest. I was in my mid 20s then. I was given the usual round of meds for angina. Turned out it was anxiety. Similar symptoms.

After another round of that recently I was sent for an echo cardio gram and an eck (one the ultrasound test the other the electrical pulses on the chest - about two years ago - as I was getting short of breath easily. Also got a spirometry test. Every single thing came back clean.

I do get this pain also when just walking in the cold if there is a cold wind.

I was recently on holiday and done about 20000 steps a day walking - in heat. No such pains.

I really don’t think this is cardiovascular and I’m loathe to bother the health service after such extensive testing recently.