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Chronic Thoracic Pain

Posted by turkey00 @turkey00, Nov 7, 2023

I have thoracic spine and into the muscles/ribs, right side only. I have been seeking every alternative over the last 20 years and no luck with anything. I've done every injection, MRI's, all the alternative stuff. They says its not fibromyalgia, lupus, lymes disease, or autoimmune. I have tried lots of different meds to no avail. I can do a muscle relaxer, ibuprofen and narcotic. I went as far as a spinal chord stimulator with no luck there. I still have it, but it doesn't help. I feel its really muscle related. The pain interferes with my daily life and gets me very depressed somedays...

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kdbe | @kdbe | Aug 20, 2025
In reply to @orion7578 "I have the same issue on the R side as well. My pain started 4-5 years..." + (show)
Profile picture for orion7578 @orion7578

I have the same issue on the R side as well. My pain started 4-5 years ago. All the MRIs of the thoracic region come back negative. However there are a few issues in the lumbar, including spinal stenosis, spondylitis and arthritis. I’ve failed 4 different P.T. Sessions over the years, massage, injections, chiropractic care and most recently 13 acupuncture treatments. The pain does not subside. Muscle relaxers are the biggest help however they make me sleepy.. the pain is really interfering with my life and I’ve missed weddings and other family events. It’s very depressing - I know just how you feel. Any suggestions from this community would be appreciated.

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I have several back issues, including scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, degenerative discs, arthritis….
I became a certified personal trainer and exercise physiologist because of all of these issues.
I have put off surgery (lumbar fusion) for several years, with exercise and gentle stretching, but a recent car wreck(other driver ran a stop sign) has made things worse and I may get the fusion sooner than later.
I also developed left side thoracic pain in the concave area of one of my curves.
Am working on that now.
If you don’t have scoliosis, and/or if you think you know the cause of your pain (ie:postural, work-related), first thing to do is stop the chronic position and gently do the opposite stretch.
Full body movement, such as walking or dancing, is a good way to reset.
For immediate pain relief, I personally lay on ice packs(soft, gel type). With pillow under knees and no pillow under neck.

REPLY
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kdbe | @kdbe | Aug 20, 2025

I became a certified personal trainer and exercise physiologist because of all of my issues.
I have put off surgery (lumbar fusion) for several years, with exercise and gentle stretching, but a recent car wreck(other driver ran a stop sign) has made things worse and I may get the fusion sooner than later.
I also developed left side thoracic pain in the concave area of one of my curves.
Am working on that now.
If you don’t have scoliosis, and/or if you think you know the cause of your pain (ie:postural, work-related), first thing to do is stop the chronic position and gently do the opposite stretch.
Full body movement, such as walking or dancing, is a good way to reset.
For immediate pain relief, I personally lay on ice packs(soft, gel type). With pillow under knees and no pillow under neck.

REPLY
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surfrmurph | @surfrmurph | Aug 20, 2025
In reply to @carolynhughes75 "I have had horrible chronic pain in my left chest/ribs for 24 years. I herniated a..." + (show)
Profile picture for carolynhughes75 @carolynhughes75

I have had horrible chronic pain in my left chest/ribs for 24 years. I herniated a thoracic disc and had spinal cord compression. I had surgery with partial rib removal and spinal fusion at T-7 and T-8. I was left with nerve damage and what is called Post-thoracotomy Pain Syndrome. I had to take a complete disability from my career. I have had everything to try and remedy this pain from nerve blocks, pain pump, spinal cord stimulators, acupuncture, scrambled therapy, etc..... Nothing relieves this pain. It has ruined my life. I can't function like a normal person. Been in pain management for 24 years. Y'all might should research this Syndrome. Best of luck to yall.

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I have terrible thoracic pain also. Pain doc put me on Buprenorphine patches one per week. Helping a lot. My pain is due to forestiers disease.

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ichbindck | @ichbindck | 2 days ago
In reply to @lizziel1 "Yes, I have bone spurs where the nerve roots come out if the spinal cord." + (show)
Profile picture for lizziel1 @lizziel1

Yes, I have bone spurs where the nerve roots come out if the spinal cord.

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@lizziel1 What does your doctor recommend? I just had a PET scan showing these spurs and will be seeing surgeon who did my neck surgery. I am looking for solutions to chronic pain.

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ichbindck | @ichbindck | 2 days ago

Sorry to hear that nothing helps. I have similar experience with MRIs, PET scan, spinal decompression, steroid shots, acupuncture, red light therapy, etc. I had neck surgery for spinal stenosis of cervical spine and bracket between C4-C5. Nothing helps. PET scan shows bone spurs and will be seeing neck surgeon today. I have chronic thoracic pain even lying in bed. Hydrocodone helps but practically have to beg to get 5 mg per day. I am 82 year old male and really don't relish having to spend rest of my life in pain. Also constantly dizzy 24-7 for 7 years with no diagnosis from 4 neurologists and extensive tests. It gets very discouraging.

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loriesco | @loriesco | 3 hours ago

sounds like you need to see a good MFR therapist. Sounds like you have muscles tugging on your thoracic spine. If you haven't worked them out OR if they have glued together and are pulling as a unit the MFR therapist will not only diagnose the problem but resolve it. good luck.

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