<s>[INST] Can shingles cause pain and/or heaviness in chest?  I am 78 years old, weigh 158 lbs. and 6 ft. tall, and in good health until this.  Have recently had EKG and chest x-ray in emergency room and both checked out good.  Yesterday was diagnosed with shingles but still have the heaviness in chest. [/INST] Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. Yes, shingles can cause chest pain and heaviness in the chest. First of all, no need to worry for heart or lung related diseases as your ecg and chest x ray are normal. Shingles virus affect nerves of chest. So patient develops neural pain in chest. It also cause painful breathing movements. So patient feels tightness and heaviness in chest. Treatment is as follows. Drink plenty of fluids orally and keep your self hydrated. Apply ice packs on affected areas of chest. Take pregabalin or gabapantine for pain management. Avoid stress and tension, be relax and calm. Don't worry, you will be alright with all these in 2-3 weeks. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks. </s>