Hi. I am 30 years old and have smoked for just over 10 years. I have also always had physical jobs that involve heavy lifting and standing up all day long, sometimes for upto 12 hours.

Recently I have started getting this numb sensation in my back. I'm more worried than normal as I have had back ache numerous times and know what that feels like. I'm extra worried because the numbness only affects the left side at chest height, sometimes spreading up my neck to the top of my spine. It comes and goes completely randomly but sometimes when I have just smoked a fag (I'm hoping thats just coincidence.) Being a smoker and easily worried, I just jumped straight to the conclusion that I have a heart problem or something wrong with my left lung. My breathing is fine with no wheezing at all.

Like I said, its not painful just somewhat weird and worrying cos of the spot its in. I am in the first stage of quitting smoking and have halved the amount I smoke daily. Even if I find out this is something minor, I'm still stopping as my wife doesn't smoke and I feel guilty.

I'm open to all suggestions to what my numb feeling may be.

Thanks in advance.