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  3. Costochondritis and Tietze's Syndrome

Pain on the left side of chest

Posted , 7 users are following.

Cindy0309
Cindy0309

I have had costeo for about 2 years but within the last year the pain is unbearable at times.  I can not wear anything around my chest that is tight like a bra or even tight shirts, a car seat strap or carry my purse even.  My doc does not like to give pain medicine for it rather gave me pain patches to use and it's like NOTHING.

I do try to stretch the chest muscles and do what I can but when the pain hits it effects my whole body and it takes over.

Does heat help anyone or any suggestions from anyone would be great too.

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • petra55548
    petra55548 Cindy0309

    Posted

    I'm not officially diagnosed just yet but my doctor thinks I might have it. Heat helps, so does hot bath with Epson salt. I'm about to start laser treatments with my chiropractor and started massages. I think acupuncture is next step

  • susan74911
    susan74911 Cindy0309

    Posted

    Hi Cindy,

    I have had this for just over a year now, following pericarditis and pneumonia. I have tried lots of things. I get some relief from taking Pregabalin (otherwise known as Lyrica), but none of the other drugs I have been prescribed have helped. I have had various opioids but they made me feel worse.

    Most recently I went to see a nurse specialist at the pain clinic. She went through breathing techniques with me, and recommended some apps to download. She said that it wouldn't stop the pain, but it would help me to cope with it. She said that when the pain is particularly bad that distraction is the best way forward. She was sympathetic and said that it's the same theory as using breathing during childbirth. We can but try!

    I will find the list of apps and post it later.

  • donna_63014
    donna_63014 Cindy0309

    Posted

    Not sure if this will help but my naturopath says I m lacking magnesium the muscles are tight. So she suggested trauma care cream for inflammation or a castor oil pack on the chest and taking magnesium. I m hoping this is going to help me with my Costochondritis plus cranial therapy to help align everything
  • twinburl
    twinburl Cindy0309

    Posted

    My pain is very much like yours on the left side and I have some swelling just under my left breast that def gets worse when I wear a bra. I have spent hundreds of dollars trying to find a bra that I can wear that won't make the pain worse. 

    Like so many people on hear I've had so many test, blood work and X-rays and also experience anxiety worrying about what the heck this is. 

    Please keep us posted on your progress and I will also. Hope you find relief soon. As do I for everyone sufffering from this. 

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