pain with sleep apnea

Hello @susar701, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You mentioned having similar pains as @serenity0131 and @happyat76.

Here is some additional information that may be helpful.
Costochondritis https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/costochondritis-1/
Sudden sharp pain under the left rib? Reasons other than heart attack:
— https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/sudden-sharp-pain-under-the-left-rib-reasons-other-than-heart-attack/articleshow/74636554.cms
pain in my breastbone, ribs and chest:
— https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pain-in-my-breastbone-ribs-and-chest/

Have you been diagnosed or have you seen a doctor yet?

@johnbishop Thanks Colleen and John! A little update about my condition since the last time I had posted in April. I think I was misdiagnosed with Costochondritis and it turned out it is nerve pain in the chest. The more I used my CPAP machine the worse it got. So I stopped using it. Also, what made it worse is that one day I was doing Costo stretches for the first time and the next day I developed unbearable burning nerve pain from my right chest and radiated all the way to my whole back (mostly my upper and mid back) and left chest as well. This was after I stopped using my CPAP by few days. I have done MRI for my Cervical and Thoracic spine and brain but everything was normal (no discs, tumours, or MS, etc). My family doctor is not sure what is causing it so he referred me to a neurologist and I'm waiting to get an appointment with him. I'm not sure if the shortness of breath that I have mentioned before is related to the nerve issue or Sleep Apnea but I have migraines as well and the shortness of breath always comes with it. I have read research papers online that Sleep Apnea can cause peripheral nerve damage and migraines due to low Oxygen levels in the body. But I'm not sure about the shortness of breath. I also don't know why the pain got worse with using the CPAP machine.

@serenity0131, I hope you can update us after your appointment with the neurologist. Also hoping they find some answers and a treatment that works for you. I found an article that talks about blood oxygen levels and lists the different symptoms, one of which is shortness of breath.

Low and normal blood oxygen levels: What to know -- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321044

The word is “may”.... I have the same and it is from muscular issues due to my Fibromyalgia. I discussed supplements w/ my 1* care MD ie Magnesium (muscle cramping) & L-Arginine.(Supp. For muscle health) Is has helped! Additionally if you have GERD.. the backwash of Hydrochloric acid can cause that too! Also they may watch you for Pre-Barrett’s Esophagus! (esophageal Cancer) not fun to get/have. PS: I was tested for Sleep Apnea.. but my insomnia is hallmark to Fibro again! I get claustrophobic.. so I use the “Aloha” style that uses “nose pillows” Vs the full mask over nose & mouth! It takes getting used to and sore nostrils.. but to me, it’s better than me freaking when I wake up w/ nose & mouth covered!! Oh.. I am not a mouth breather.. so that is good!! PS: ribs and sternum( breast bone) are connected BY MUSCLES! Thus the cramping.. also taking Prilosec twice daily eradicated the issues! Wish you much luck!!

Hi all I am not new to may but I am new to Costochondritis ….I have had a few episodes right now I am in the worst one so far…. Never seen my dr just my chiropractor we been doing cuping and tens unit, stretching ….I have gotten some relief …. My chiropractor suggested pemf short for pulsed electro-magnetic field has anyone tried this if so has it helped for this condition mine is brought on by arthritis and inflammation…..

Hi happyat76, I have the same symptoms, and also had my heart checked out for irregular heart beat. The cardiologist could find nothing wrong though. Now, I could have my stomach checked out for hiatal hernia, but I suspect the overall cause for all my (different) symptoms is 'snoring'; whether sleep apnea or not, I guess my intensive snoring strains the muscles of my diaphragm ('parachute' muscle that attaches to the underside/rim of the whole rib cage, front to back) to such an extent that they hurt all day, especially in my back (and yes, the area just below my breastbone also chronically feels tight, preventing deep breathing/breathing throught 'the stomach'). The constant attempt of the diafragm to lower itself, while not being able to (at night), probably also increases chances of developing a hiatal hernia (upper part of the stomach protruding through the diaphragm). I'm not exploring that any further, because now I do not consider it a primary cause for my symptoms, and expect it to 'go away' once I can resolve the snoring issue. I think in my case the snoring is caused by one or more allergies (in any case, milk; too much mucus production, leading to a stuffy nose, being forced to mouth-breathe...).
Thanks for posing your question!

My sleep 'issues' started after an injury to my right arm. Hand twisted at wrist, nearly dislocated elbow and partially torn labrum. Chronic pain. Carpal tunnel surgery a year later reduced pain significantly but still present. Could not sleep properly. Diagnosed with OSA. Started CPAP therapy. Covid and subsequent congestion complicated CPAP use. Currently, fully torn tendon right thumb, pain in elbow and shoulder- no further surgeries. Cortisone ineffective. 🙁

Hello @deanhart817, Welcome to Connect. CPAP use when you have a lot of congestion can definitely be a problem. I used twice daily nasal rinses which helped some when I was congested and struggling with my CPAP. So sorry to hear about your chronic pain affecting your sleep along with shoulder, elbow and thumb pain. You mentioned no further surgeries. Do you mean surgeries are not an option for the torn tendon on your right thumb?

Dean -
I posted some things that may (or may not) be helpful in the topic "Wake up with a "cold " every morning using CPAP".

BTW - I understand the disrupted sleep due to injury and pain. I had shoulder surgery of my left to fix a torn labrum and remove arthritic spurs around the AC joint where the shoulder attaches to the collarbone. When the left is fully recovered, I get to do the same thing on the right shoulder.

All the best to you.

Surgery is an option but I'm a 'wussy little fraidy cat'. The idea of being incapacitated again does not appeal to me. I should've trained myself to be ambidextrous as a kid. Oh well, next time. But seriously, if there is a less invasive option I will pursuit it. Physical therapy, exercise and pain/mood management does work but it requires dedication and discipline- full time. Surgery is a last resort.

As for the CPAP, I have tried rinses, saline and a neti pot with some success. When I'm not congested I try to deal with the flipside of potentially 'drowning in my own fluids' which is fun. It's a process. I'm learning- trial and error. One thing is certain. The more 'good sleep' I'm able to achieve, the better improvement in all categories I'm able to realize. Thank you for responding.