COSTOCHONDRITIS

Posted , 5 users are following.

What is available for relief of Costochondritis? What makes symptoms worse?

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Kathy , drugs, as in pain relief and muscle relaxants , heat pads and ice pads, tens machine , and if all else fails injections into front and back, which for me worked for 6 months last year but came back with a vengeance !

    Just returned yesterday from specialist and he's booked me in for 5/6/15 for more, and although they are horrendous to have, it's like a miricle happens 3 to 4 days later, and I felt like a new person again!

    As for what makes it worse, well for me anything that involves using my arms basically and bending down, in fact the only time it doesn't hurt is when I dose myself up and lie completely flat in bed and rest.

    This unfortunately is difficult with full time work, thankfully I'm not a parent as it would be hard to do with kids.

    Hope this helps

    Louise

  • Posted

    Does your upper back hurt too? If so could be come from misalignment with spine so you would have to work on that
  • Posted

    I find that sitting in front of my computer for hrs on end is really affecting the chest area. Also sitting in an arm chair for long periods ( watching tv for hrs and hrs).f.ex places the torso in a slumped position and this too places the chest in a sunken position. .Driving for long periods. Picking up heavy objects.. ( moving furniture around)..

    Rotating the torso...overusing arms..(painting and decorating f.ex)..

    All the above things makes it worse for me..

    Maybe not for everybody. ..

    Hoping my condition improves. I find it very debilitating. .

    Mitouback

    • Posted

      Yes, I find exactly the same things are bad for me too.  I don't drive and consequently do a lot of walking between catching public transport.  I think this helps a lot as long as my shopping is not too heavy.  I haven't dared to try swimming since I got the pain, but when I feel the pain is all gone I will try swimming as that might actually help - just gentle swimming.  I think you should try to get out of the house nearly every day and do some walking in the fresh air.  For me this also helps with depression, as I live alone as well.

      Hope you're feeling better soon.

      Lori

       

  • Posted

    I am also doing some back extensions as I think my spine is out of alignment. Today I have been pain free. I ddi some stretching last night and this PM.

    Standing up. Reach up with the 2 arms ( like you are a big letter Y) Reack up as if you want to touch the ceuiling.

    then take deep breath in and hold for a little wile. I also lean back slightly. I find this help. Maybe not for all but it seems to work for me.

    Mitouback

    • Posted

      Glad to hear that you have found a way to ease the pain.  I don't get back pain but I'll try your stretching exercise anyway and see if it helps with the ribs,.

      Lori

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