pain in my breastbone, ribs and chest

Hi @boomer76 and welcome to Connect. I noticed that you wished to post two URLs to web resources with your post. You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. Clearly the links you wanted to post are not spam. Please allow me to post them for you.

- Costochondritis: Diagnosis and Treatment (American Family Physician) https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0915/p617.html
- Costochondritis Treatments https://costochondritis.com/costochondritis-treatments/

You mention that your wife had costochondritis. What treatments helped her?

Thank you! I have been waiting on some one who I could identify with I have the same exact pain for Last 20 yrs .I was also told I have concostorithis. Had an attack yesterday at work..the pain,the pain is real!!..arthritis in my neck,my back under my ribs and at times pulling in my gut..ok it sounds. Crazy,then cramps under my back

Hi Happy. I also have been diagnosed with costochondritis after complaining about the pain for 5 years. The pain can start in my left arm pit and go right down my arm and the left side of my chest. Actually, my left side had gotten really weak. My doctor only ordered an X-ray and my inflammation had to be horrendous in order to get such a quick diagnosis. She told me to take Aleve for the pain. I can't believe that is her relief for the pain. What have you done when the pain has occurred?

Hi susanjane@77
Thank you so much for your response. I honestly get a lot of pain in my left arm and wrist. I was thinking it may be carpal tunnel syndrome. Now I am thinking about this differently. I get lots of pain in my upper back, shoulders. The worst pain though is in my breastbone, ribs and chest area. When I have the pain, I can barely breathe and I have to put my head on the table to breathe. The pain feels like someone has a knife in that area and is ousting it through to my back. As far as pain meds, my Doctor won’t give me anything as I have problems with meds and them causing pain in my stomach. Aspirin just about kills me. To be honest, my Dr. has never suggested my having any x-ray, cat scan, m.r.i. or anything on my chest, back or anywhere. I have had cat scans on my stomach, abdomen etc and I have an hiatus hernia and a tumour in my pancreas. No Dr has told me that these would cause this pain. I just don’t know what to do at this point. I am so tired of suffering with no answers. I have never used Albee for pain, but imagine that it is useless. Let me know your thoughts after reading this. Thanks

Hi boomer76
So very sorry I am only now getting back to you. Yes that is exactly where I get the pain. It really hurts me to breathe at times. I hate having to live like this all the time. I really don’t know what to do now. My Dr. has never examined me, nor suggested a chest x-ray, scan, nothing. What kind of Dr. should I ask her to send me to? Any suggestions?
Thanks

Nice picture, @bdade59. I hope you'll add it to your profile. Here's how to update your profile: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/newsfeed-post/how-to-update-your-profile/

@happyat76 You might want to look at myofascial release physical therapy. It can help a lot of physical problems that are the result of overly tight tissues. The fascia is a webbing net that runs through the body and it can have tight areas that keep the body from moving properly and causes pain. I have thoracic outlet syndrome and am rehabbing with MFR. It has helped a lot, and I am still working through the layers. Here is our discussion with information. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/

Ty. We had a hunch that it was that. Thank you for your information

I have been getting so many messages but I do remember messaging you. You might want to ask the doctor to test you for myofascial trigger point disease. There's really not much they can do about it other than make you comfortable with muscle relaxers. But you can make your back muscles stronger by going to the gym. Also you're going to have to change your lifestyle by using heating pads anywhere and everywhere you sit and lay down. I'm sorry to tell you this but at least it said somewhat towards the right direction of finding out exactly what you might have. I hope you don't have that because at time is my husband it's pretty bad. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. but if it's not that have your doctor check to see if you have scoliosis. That at least can be corrected I might take time but it can be corrected at least 90%. if you message me back I'll get back to you as soon as I can. I would love to know what's going on with you. I'm here

I think I know what exactly kind of doctor might help but it's hard to remember exactly what kind. I will definitely be getting back to you very soon. It's kinda like a specialist that finds things normal doctors don't. There's a name for them. My best friend sees one. As soon as I call her in the morning I'll find out what kind of doctor he is.