Rib pain - fibro or something else?

[Elephantwhisperer]

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in August 2019 aged 25 (symptoms for 6 years before) however for the last 2 months I have experienced quite a lot of pain in my ribs, mainly when leaning forward or backwards near my sternum, I'm not sure whether this is something I should see my doctor about or is it just fibromyalgia??

[PainConcernProjects Partner Community Champion Pain Concern]

Hi there, thank you for your post! Sorry to hear about this pain you're experiencing

If you are unsure about the cause of a pain or with this being a fairly new pain experienced, going to your GP to get an initial opinion would be advised to get a precautionary check up.

If you still feel unsure following your visit about the pain, or where to go from there please do not hesitate to get in touch!

Thanks

[cyberbarn in reply to PainConcernProjects]

As above, all new pain should be looked into. Sometimes people including health care professionals think that it must all be fibro and things are missed.

What you are describing could be as simple as a muscle strain, or something like costocondritis, but it is worth making sure what it is so that you can treat it properly.

A friend who had fibro thought the hip pain was just fibro, and it turned out to be osteoarthritis!

[Elephantwhisperer]

Thanks all, I have a Dr's appointment booked for 11th February - I just know I'm going to get fobbed off as that it's just fibro - but the pain is very intense and has been happening for a while - I shall try to get them to take me seriously

[klr31]

Costochondritis?

[Elephantwhisperer in reply to klr31]

Not sure - will ask at my Dr's

[Hidden]

My friend has the same, she was told it was all in her head and was at the end of her rope with it. I insisted that she complained to the hospital. After an MRI it turned out that it wasn't Fibromyalgia at all, but slipped discs in the middle of her back!

Always insist on a second opinion.

[RedfoxMorse]

I had intense between the ribs pain radiating round on one side...it was vicious! In the end they diagnosed an crushed thoracic vertebrae due to osteoporosis. It all started after having back surgery further down my back and I think they thought I’d found a new pain weeks after they’d solved a different pain. My advice is keep on at them, or at least ask to see a different doctor for a second opinion.

[Cola4444]

Check out Ankylosing (AK) spondylitis

A lor of action on this over the years and meds to combat i believe.

Ribs fusing to Chest bone & bone spurs in the spine i understand are common.

Like me... please don't read it all and think ... oh that's gotta be it.

Unfortunately... its like reading your star signs... we can pretty much make any of them fit us.

See an Orthopedic Specialist & get it checked out. Probably a simple Xray then Scan if needed.

Good luck 👍🏼