Chronic Thoracic Pain

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.

@turkey00 and orion7578 some doctors brush off fibromyalgia. Have you seen a rheumatologist? If one does not get to the root of your problem, go to another. I have fibromyalgia and your symptoms sound a lot like mine. It took years to get diagnosed and when I finally saw my current rheumatologist she diagnosed it within five minutes - confirming it with some tests.

Is the pain constant, 24/7/365 or sporadic? If the pain is not due to fibromyalgia, I wonder if what you have is costochondritis? But perhaps that has been ruled out too.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/costochondritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371175
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354780

Could your thoracic pain be related to poor posture? Mine is. I have gotten into the habit of slumping forward when I walk. When I consciously bring my shoulders back and “think tall” my pain goes away. Just a thought.

There can be many causes for thoracic pain and some can be very tricky to diagnose.
In my case, my PT and I finally figured out it was a muscle that kept tightening up. The fix was a series of stretching exercises performed daily augmented by MFR during a flare. @jenniferhunter has also had some experience with this- her situation is much more complex. For both of us, it took years to figure out.
Sue

I too have “ pinched nerve” in thoracic area of mid back
It flairs up frequently and can become very painful
Something I’ve found to take the edge off the pain is:
Lidocaine patch 5%
The 5% does need a prescription
I wouid try this if i were you
Good luck

Using 5% lidocaine patches on my neck is helpful even though I have to take hydrocodone it helps take the edge off.

My thoracic pain is caused by osteoarthritis as seen on MRI. Also have it in the other 3 levels of my spine. Had this for years. My pain mgmt doc did Radio Therapy on both sides of all 4 levels once a year. (The procedure burns the nerves that come through the facet joints to prevent pain signals to the brain) I estimate 50% less pain while I was getting the procedures. Doc retired 5years ago. Unsuccessful finding another doc in my area. I still had to take nsaids or Tylenol Arthritis. Not able to take opioid pain relievers. Do specific stretches every day & & use icy hot x 4 a day. Now both knees & hips are affected. Looked into a pain stimulator but it was not approved for multilevels. Movement helps, sitting or lying down for too long makes it worse. Never have been one to give up, so just keep going forward, gets harder every year though.

I have had nerve ablation will as well, they really are helpful. I’m sorry there’s not another doctor in your area that does those. Are you in a rural area? Yes, I have spondylosis in my thoracic plus compression fractures, but I’ve never tried that. I’ve only had that from my SI area and it was helpful for years . It’s very painful when I wake up in the morning so I can relate. I’ve been going for laser therapy twice a month only because she doesn’t take insurance when it’s 125 each time. I know what you mean it’s a constant battle, but we can never give up. We have to keep trying new things.. Good luck to you.

This may or may not be your issue...

I have knots in my rib cage front and back which inflame the fascia (the slippery coating around muscles) which can cause nasty localized pain. When in the left front chest, they can mimic heart issues.

My PT guy has trained me how to press on the blood supply feeding the know which forces it to relax (sometimes). It takes some practice, often is not effective and I'm less than good at it. Also one can use an ice cube on the knot to help relax them. He has to do the ones I can't reach.

I have no great wisdom for preventing them - the best I have come up with is to slowly and gradually stretch those muscles (a warm-up) so they don't knot up.

I have thoracic back pain on my left side about bra level. It sometimes wraps around to my front ribs. It’s aggravated by using my arms… washing dishes, hanging clothes, washing my hair etc. it has left me unable to do much of anything, because it is excruciating.
I know exactly what causes it. I have pinched nerves in that area due to Radiculopathy.
I already go to a pain clinic for chronic pain for other conditions. They have tried injections, and that’s it. Last time they told me to go to an acupuncturist. 🤔
I’ve gotten no help with disabling condition. It’s seriously impacting my quality of life!