Bones stick out on chest?!

[zoe1996]

Hi, the past few months I’ve noticed that my ribs on the right hand side of my chest (above the breast) are much more prominent than on my left, as if they almost ‘stick out’. They can also feel sore if touched and it sometimes is painful when someone hugs me. I have felt pressure in the middle of my chest and a little breathlessness as well but that’s not a common thing for me. Also I don’t know if it has any relation but my right arm sometimes feels heavy and seems to brush against my side a lot more than my left. Sorry this post is so long winded!!

[Bananas5]

I take it you have seen your Doctor?

This is one possibility but we can't make a diagnosis......

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage. The condition usually affects the cartilage where the upper ribs attach to the breastbone, or sternum, an area known as the costosternal joint or costosternal junction. Chest pain caused by costochondritis can range from mild to severe

x

[johnsmith]

This sounds like a muscle problem. You do need to see a medical doctor for advice in case of anything untoward. For example you may have been losing weight. An indication of possible cancer problem.

The muscle problem can be looked at by an Alexander Teacher who can help improve things.

alexandertechnique.com/teac...

[zoe1996 in reply to johnsmith]

I have lost no more than 2-3 pounds (as I have been exercising and trying to eat healthy) I did go to a doctor mainly for the chest pain and breathlessness and they briefly felt my bones on my chest and also took oxygen levels etc and claimed that there was nothing wrong so not sure what to do ?

[Bananas5 in reply to zoe1996]

If you are in pain go back and tell your Doctor.

x

[johnsmith in reply to zoe1996]

You are in the realms of needing a second opinion. This is where it gets complex. I will try and logically look at the situation.

1 The oxygen levels were taken how and when?

2 When do you get chest pain?

3 When does breathlessness occur?

4 What should your normal weight be and how much below normal weight are you?

5 When did you start exercising?

6 What was your movement regime before you started exercising?

Once the above questions have had answers given to them one can make a determination as to who to see for a second opinion.

[zoe1996 in reply to johnsmith]

Hi to answer your questions:

1) about 3-4 weeks ago, using the device that clips onto your finger? (not sure what it’s called)

2) and 3) the ‘pain’ is more of a dull ache, in the centre of my chest and breathlessness is usually only when I’m just sat “doing nothing” so to speak. Only normal level of breathlessness when exercising.

4) January 2019 I was about 12 stone 5, it did go down to 12st 1lb, but currently I think it is between 12st 2/12st 3

5) started exercising in end of jan 2019/start of Feb. Tried to be consistent but have had gaps!

6) I am a uni student and do not work so unless going to uni or gym I’m not particularly active

[johnsmith in reply to zoe1996]

Thanks for the reply. I am not medically trained, just a citizen scientist. So you need to do your own investigation to check that anything I say matches your situation.

1) Weight nothing to worry about. But need to check what normal weight should be in regard to age and height.

2) Oxygen exchange across lungs functioning as it should.

3) Breathing system reacting to exercise need to speak to university sports coach. He can tell if normal or not.

Muscles attached to ribs may be too tight. Head may be not properly aligned on top of your head and muscle is supporting heavy head. Shoulders may be raised up.

See: alexandertechnique.com/

A McTimony chiropractor can give a useful opinion on tightness in ribs and whether dull ache can be removed. With the chiropractor opinion you have something to discuss with the doctor.

Medical doctors have little or no knowledge of the interplay of muscle behaviour and discomfort.

Hope I have been able to be helpful.