Pain in my sternum and my lower back (right side)

[Babygirl4497]

I have severe pain in my sternum and lower right of my back, it hurts so bad to sneeze,hiccup, cough,ect.. I don't know what can be causing this, my whole ribcage area is swollen and hurts and I dont wanna go to the hospital

[Jjflash]

Hiya baby girl,you could try the painkilling sprays that you find in most discount stores.You could use that instead of painkillers,either hot/cold version.you could contact the NHS if you're based in the UK.Either the website or to call them up cos they'll be able to know in most cases why you're suffering pain across the front and back of your lower stomach.I know you said you don't want to go to the hospital but you might need to go to a&e so you can get that area scanned.Ideally baby girl,I hope you choose a&e,at least you'll be able to know why you're in so much pain.I hope you're not putting getting checked out because of the covid situation.If that's your understandable main worry,please give the NHS web a call to put your mind at ease.dont suffer at home if there are better solutions.good luck baby girl.

[Babygirl4497 in reply to Jjflash]

Thank you for your advice, I live in Florida USA without health insurance so hospital is my only choice, but I'm high risk and don't wanna catch this Virus, But I may have no choice the pain is unreal, its across my whole chest below my breastbone, it's hard to explain but I'm gonna call some dr's in the morning thank you

[Jjflash in reply to Babygirl4497]

Hi again baby girl,you could try a tens machine where you put the pads over as many areas of your lower chest,both front and back and it's cheap.You could also try getting a thick,sturdy back brace that will cover the whole or most of your lower stomach.I hope you find a decent solution baby girl.Or you could go down the painkiller route.best of luck baby girl.

[cyberbarn]

There are a lot of muscles in your chest wall, as well as many joints. We don't think of the junction between the ribs and the sternum as being joints but they are, and they can become inflamed. GPs are in a good position to deal with this sort of thing, so give them a ring, they are open, and discuss it over the phone and they will let you know the best thing to do about this.

[Babygirl4497 in reply to cyberbarn]

Thank you for responding, The swelling is across my chest , it just hurts where my sternum and right lower right of my back is in pain, If I hiccup, sneeze,cough the pain is horrible, I'm petrified too go to the hospital in fear of coronavirus, I dont know if I'm gonna have a choice, I'm uninsured so its difficult, But thank you for your advice

[cyberbarn in reply to Babygirl4497]

Sorry, I hadn't realised you were in America. Have a look on the internet for costochondritis and see if you think that is what it might be. That might help you make your mind up as to whether you need to go to A&E or if you could go somewhere else, or just rest your body until it gets better.

mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...

[GimpALimp]

As someone else mentioned, it sounds like costochondritis to me. It is inflammation of the cartilage and when at its worst, the pain is indescribable. Have you tried one of the doctors online aps? This might be a perfect venue for that as the only way I know to diagnose it is to try some anti-inflammatories and see if you begin to feel better. So, talking with a doctor online might give you some insights and won't cost you an arm and a leg!

I suggest you try taking to OTC ibuprophin (200 - 400 mg) as directed on the package. If you get relief at all, you will have something to go on when you talk to a doctor. Mine hasn't flared up in years, thank God. I hope this gives you some relief.

Best of luck!

[Babygirl4497 in reply to GimpALimp]

Thank you for responding and advice.. I am taking IB profen 800mg I'm prescribed for other things, The pain is below my sternum now and swollen when I took tree the 800s it did help the pain and swelling but it comes back if i lay down for to long i have Arteriosclerosis and PAD so at times it gets hard to walk around, it's a catch 22 situation, I haven't tried online dr i dont know which one is good and won't charge anything but I will look into it, thank you again

[GimpALimp in reply to Babygirl4497]

The swelling has me concerned. One way or the other, you need to see someone. There is probably some other cause that the ibuprophin isn't affecting - and that is telling. Don't delay.

[Babygirl4497 in reply to GimpALimp]

Ya the swelling has me concerned as well, It's just getting worse, I'm trying to fight it but it's hard, do u happen to know of any online dr I can talk with?

[GimpALimp]

If you download Doctors on Demand, you just call in. I think you get to give some info on your concern and then they give you someone. When I did it, it cost $40 for 15 minutes. I got EXCELLENT advice and moved with it. If you are not happy with the doctor you get, ask what specialist that person thinks you should seek.

[Babygirl4497 in reply to GimpALimp]

Thank you for that information, Unfortunately in this time of the Coronavirus, I am currently unemployed, haven't gotten my stimulus money yet, nor unemployment so I am unable to pay any amount for a doctor online 😭 But truly thank you for the information and help you've provided for me, Hopefully a check will be here soon, And I can avoid the hospital all together 🙏 as those Bill's are outrageous!

[GimpALimp]

Please call your doctor or even the hospital and explain your financial situation. There are funds available to help with patients who can't pay - and I think your situation is one that shouldn't wait. The worst they can say is 'no'. Do you have a church home? Pastors often have funds to offset expenses such as this. Even if you do not have a church home, contact some pastors and explain your situation and ask if there is anyone who can help you. Do you mind telling me where you live? You might live close to someone I know who can intervene on your behalf. No need to give me specific details but narrowing down where you are may give me enough info to help you.

[Nix28Nix]

I use a Backpod which I bought from Bodystance which has given me relief for the first time in 50 years. Have a look at their website...