Recurring chest/sternum pain for 11 months
Posted , 3 users are following.
Around a year ago I started feeling moderate sharp pain near my sternum/interior right chest, usually after lifting, exercising, or stretching/exerting a force on the area. If I rest for 3+ days, it subsides and I don't feel anything, but it re-aggravates easily, sometimes just by walking around, and stays for a few days.
I've tried NSAIDS, seen 3 doctors and gotten an X-ray and MRI with no findings, avoided exercise for 2 months, applied heat and stretches (recently), but nothing seems to prevent it from coming back. I thought it was costochondritis (or a pec tear which I believe is ruled out by the MRI), but even with rest and time it always returns.
Anyone have any suggestions or similar experience? Would be greatly appreciated.
0 likes, 5 replies
AlexandriaGizmo kevin66464
Posted
Where you check for cardiac issues and had tham ruled out
I'm not saying that I think it's heart related due to your symptoms and it has to be a process of elimination
Once you have done that then you can look at the bigger picture
Mary_Beth08170 kevin66464
Posted
Hi Kevin 66464, I overused and abused both my arms doing more work for others, but thinking I'd heal quickly and I did not heal quickly at all...I am still suffering from the over-use of both my arms in my chest areas, both inner left and right along the sternum and also upper chest and also the right arm rotor cuff and bursa and it is painful..I have been prescribed physical therapy and NSAID's and have gone 2x which seems to have helped, but i got sick for 2 weeks so need to go back. I have had ekg's which show nothing abnormal..I do however believe i should have images other than e-rays for my problems..I also was diagnosed during this time with high calcium, high Pth levels which can cause bone pain plus i was told i had low bone density which i really don't believe..I use cold compresses on my chest as well as hot compresses and wear like compression tank tops which i know they sell for both men and women and this does help with pain too. I also questioned one orthopedic as to whether or not i may have gotten an infection with the rotor cuff injury that spread into my chest and he said no, but i also do not believe that..lol..I believe it's very possible for bone and cartilage to get infected from injuries so maybe think of that as well as getting some physical therapy under supervision..I thought the PTherapy would exacerbate the pain but it didn't...I decided that maybe Pop-Eye the sailor man had the right idea by eating spinach so i've been eating spinach for muscle repair and have also been eating canteloupe as a fruit..i like the spinach and think it's helping...try eating foods to help in repair and strenthening..Good luck to you..
kevin66464 Mary_Beth08170
Posted
Hi Mary Beth, I don't have a medical background but it seems you have several issues, definitely look into and take care of each of your conditions. In general I believe any doctors or experts you see are offering their best advice. Physical therapy should be helpful and hopefully whatever treatment your therapist provides. From my limited understanding NSAIDS can reduce pain and may help in recovery but can have adverse effects if you take too much.
If you have low bone density you may have osteoporosis, I would not take the diagnosis lightly. Confirm with a doctor or another medical expert, because it increases your risk of fractures or other injuries.
As for eating healthy you probably have the right idea, definitely make sure you are getting necessary nutrients, especially ones relevant to your conditions.
Thanks for your concern and good luck to you as well!
Mary_Beth08170 kevin66464
Posted
Wearing Compression shirts can help with pain. Ice and hot compresses can help with pain or swelling. Tyelenol or NSAID's for pain relief; whichever better serv es you. Perhaps pain in the sternum area can be a bone issue or high calcium can also cause pain in the bones. I would think Infection is possible for the cause of your complaints. Eating certain foods that heal the body such as the sternum and cartilage can be found by googling foods that heal the sternum or cartilage. I was only making suggestions from my own experience and I tend to be friendly and I guess it came across as too personal. Also Kevin the pain in any muscle even the rotator cuff can cause pain in the chest as you did speak of pain in the chest area too..Thanks for making me aware I'm much too personal on this website and i will avoid doing this in the future or just refrain from answering at all..I only wanted to help. Best of Health to you...:)
kevin66464 Mary_Beth08170
Posted
I hope I didn't come across as negative, I just wanted to respond to some of your problems as I hope you can recover as well as possible, and that your doctors will do their best for you. Again thanks for your concern and I wish you the best!