I've just been diagnosed with Cortochondritis. I've had severe chest pain for 5 years due to this. i've tried all the NSAI's with NO relief. anybody have suggestions. btw, I have ME & Fibro. the CostoC. is driving me mad as i have severe insomnia.
thanks in advance.
Hi Caitlin my advice is aqua puncture from a chiropractor it works also ice packs plenty of rest,try rubbing Olbas Oil into the painful tender areas hope this helps you
Hi Caitlin,
I've had Tietze for a year.. Prevention methods when there's not flare up are the best (but not always possible)...
I've found the following helpful;
- nothing strenuous using arms
- sleeping on your back, not on your side
- avoiding any position which means your shoulders are rounded/arched forward
- a v shape pillow, with the sides over the top of your shoulders to stop you rolling on to your sides during the night
- ice packs
- amitriptyline an hour before bed, to help relax the muscles and helps to drift off
- eating healthy - some foods are anti inflamatories, and I notice a difference if I don't have my veg for long periods
- i set myself the task of doing 5 backward shoulder rolls every time I go to the bathroom, to stretch out my chest subtly and to try and train my shoulders to go back
- non underwired bra
I was on anti inflamatories and the amitriptyline, but I'm not pregnant and can't take any medication for it, so I've had to find other way to relieve it.
I saw a physiotherapist who specialises in Rhuematology, and she referred me to a rheumatology consultant at the hospital, so I'm holding out for some more information/help from that. The latest suggestion being the steroid injections, which at 25 both me and the doctor, want to avoid for as long as possible.
The hospital also informed me, that Tietze/Costo doesn't show up on X-Ray's/scans and doctors do them simply to rule any other reasons out.
The above may not work for you, but even if they give the slightest relief, I can sympathise that it's better than nothing!
Sorry Caitlin, I have nothing to offer. I've been lurching from one attack to the next (all be them 12 months or so apart) But I totally empathise with your disturbed nights.
I have symptoms that fit Costochondritis except for 2 aspects:
1. My pain/inflammation/sensitivity is always on the back of my ribs, not on the sternum.
2. There is no swelling or redness on the skin.
I feel sharp shock sensations for 24-48 hours almost non-stop in a fist sized area on either side of my spine. This gives way to extreme sensitivity radiating from and further around the area for 3-5 more days. Then it all disappears for maybe 12 months, returning unannounced as always. Does anyone know if this maybe a different condition?