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Has anyone recovered from years of severe rib pain without a clear dia
Hi everyone,
I’m in my 30s and have had severe chronic rib and spine pain for more than two years. The rib pain is by far the worst part, and lately I’m hurting every day again. I’m at a point where I really need to hear from people who have been through something like this and improved.
Early on, I was diagnosed with thoracic radiculopathy based on MRI findings and had a thoracic epidural steroid injection, which did not help. Later, I had a lumbar nerve block with another doctor, which also did not help. A thoracic trigger-point injection helped one small area, but not the larger rib-pain problem.
Since then, different possibilities have been raised, including costochondritis, somatic rib dysfunction, myofascial pain, and possible central sensitization/nociplastic pain. My newer doctors generally do not seem convinced that the thoracic MRI findings explain everything.
I’ve tried PT several times and am now starting another course that will include aquatic therapy. I’ve also tried OMT, massage, Backpod, yoga, swimming, stretching, chiropractic treatment, topical treatments, and multiple medications.
Some things have helped. An 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program clearly helped me. Backpod has helped at times. My first osteopath’s OMT helped a lot. Massage can sometimes give me a couple of better days. Tramadol, baclofen, and occasional hydrocodone also help to varying degrees.
One of my best periods happened when I was doing MBSR, using the Backpod, and not playing soccer. So I know my pain can improve — I just haven’t figured out how to make that improvement last.
I also have a positive ANA at 1:320 and am seeing rheumatology soon. Most of my more specific autoimmune testing and inflammatory markers have been negative, so I’m not sure whether the ANA will turn out to be relevant.
The hardest part has been what this has done to me mentally. I’ve had emergency-room visits during bad periods, have experienced suicidal ideation at my lowest points, and have had to take a leave of absence from work. I’m receiving psychiatric care, but the combination of pain and uncertainty has worn me down tremendously.
I’d especially like to hear from anyone who can relate:
Did you have chronic rib/chest-wall pain for years and eventually improve significantly?
Did you get better even without ever receiving one perfect diagnosis?
What treatment or combination of treatments helped the most?
If chronic pain once brought you to a very dark place but you’re doing much better now, what changed?
I’m not looking for anyone here to diagnose me. I mostly need to hear from people who have been through this and found a way forward.
Right now I could really use some hope.
Thank you for reading.
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My ribs were painful when I pressed on them and the pain radiated to my arm and shoulder. I thought I was having a heart attack. They did all kinds of cardiac screening tests, and that wasn't it. After months of misdiagnosis, I was diagnosed with costochondritis. The M.D. recommended physicial therapy and chiropractic. That worked. I wouldn't recommend any spinal treatments by the chiropractor, but rather something that addresses the thoracic area. Find someone who knows how to deal with costchondritis without neck "snapping." Read about P.T. and chiropractic for costochondritis if you think this makes sense for you.
LPRSOB "Right now I could really use some hope" To me, that was the most telling insight of your post. I, too have suffered from chronic and sometimes unbearable pain-pain that can definitely affect basic attitudes. I have been very healthy and active my entire life so when this happened I was kind of a "baby" in dealing with it and also finding aspects of my emotional makeup I didn't realize were at work. This type of pain caused this "tender" emotional side to become unhealthily remorseful, only dwelling on the negative, which was not beneficial. I also have a strong logical side which continually tells me "this is your situation now, do your best, I am still alive and can enjoy things so make the best of it"! Now I have had a lousy few days so the "rah-rah" stuff sounds a bit poly-anna, but that is the pain trying to take away hope. I sensed that these pain induced negative emotions are more deeply rooted ( at this point, anyway) in your thinking than mine (I've been dealing with this stuff for years), but the basic answer about keeping hope alive is the same. Nothing deep-just something that works for me.
@rockon79 It was so affirming when I got a diagnosis and treatment that worked. That did bring back hope. And the comfort knowing that the health professionals knew the pain was real. Yes, we must keep hope alive.
I have rib pain and my daily opioids don't touch it. It finally got so bad that I got on the compassionate use medical marijuana program (I live in Texas). Chronic pain is now on the list.
After the 1st dose of THC gummies (about 5 mg) I finally got some relief.
I had my annual lung cancer scan and the radiologist reported 3 broken ribs!!!
I have RA and when I have a flare my ribs hurt. I think they must have healed? At least a little?
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1 Reaction@rockon79 Thank you for your thoughtful response. So are what you saying is that over time you naturally cultivated this attitude? You were once similar to how I am thinking?
@leahrogne I was diagnosed with Costo and then another person said I have Rib Dysfunction. Neither diagnose and subsequent treatments have made a difference unfortunately. It sucks so much.
I am so happy you found relief
@mslee56 Would LOVE to indulge in THC but I have CHS from using too much over a 10 year period. Totally stinks!!! Glad it has helped you
I’m glad you are seeing a rheumatologist and hope they are helpful. I hope they might be familiar with fibromyalgia and myofascial pain (some aren’t.) You might want to research those conditions (books by Devin Starlaynl are excellent.) I’d also suggest, if you haven’t already, seeing a neurology sleep specialist, as sleep issues often exacerbate chronic pain. In forty years with it, I’ve found specialized massage—primarily myotherapy—to be the most helpful thing.
@jdbarr1 I didn't arrive at a helpful mind set naturally, I had to work on it and and some of the processes took time. A life altering situation, such as elevated, sometimes chronic pain causes myriad mental innuendos, both logical and emotional, mostly that we are unaware of, that reinforces either a positive or negative outlook depending on the bent of each ones personality. That creates our attitude and how we mentally deal with our situation. The positive response is a plus but the negative creates a loss of initiative, energy, drive, inspiration, and the big one-hope, etc. all sapping our power by the doom of negativity to address our condition as successfully as it could be! It was only when I honestly accepted the facts such as; that this is my condition now, hopefully I have done all I can, I am alive and have many blessings, others have it worse and on and on. This started to help me appreciate and have a more positive attitude, which demands work since for me I am comfortable and familiar with depression , it tales no effort and is easier. BUT, I found out that until I had developed a more positive way of dealing with this I was part of the problem and not part of the solution! This adage really helped-"I need the courage to change the things I can, the ability to accept the things I can't change and the wisdom to know the difference".
Look into Slipping Rib Syndrome. It’s very rare and debilitating. It does not show up on normal imaging, CTs need to be converted to 3D. There are 2 very helpful Facebook Groups on SRS. Check them out. Best to you. This may be helpful.