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Rib cage tightness: Not sure what it might be

Digestive Health | Last Active: Nov 3 1:50pm | Replies (98)
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@julzw

I was crushed in a tornado over 18 years ago. Most of my back is a titanium cage. And, there is spinal cord damage, but I'm able to walk and function without any issues if that. I have had this pain since the tornado. Oh, I broke all the ribs on my left side, too. I start feeling the squeeze pain in my diaphragm and it eventually encircles my entire midsection. My back is squeezed so badly. I've never known what causes it because it's been the bain of my existence for a very long time. I need to know who to talk to about it and what exactly do I say it is?

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Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Nov 3 1:50pm

@julzw @beachcomer You may be interested in a physical therapy treatment called myofascial release. Basically, when you have scar tissue and tight fascia that limits normal movement in the body, that tightness can cause compression of muscles and nerves. This is done by a therapist who trained in the John Barnes techniques of MFR. It is a bit like massage, but the therapist pushes to create a shearing force, and just waits for the fascia to unwind itself. It takes many sessions to work through layers of tight tissue, but it can be effective, and also help with surgical scar tissue that gets tight.

I also have ribcage tightness caused by thoracic outlet syndrome which affects the expansion of one side of my rib cage. This has helped me, and I continue to do my home stretches to maintain flexibility.

Here is our discussion for information.

Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/

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