Why do I always ache

[Gilly61]

Does anybody else have constant body aches?

I posted about rib pain recently but if the pains not in my ribs it’s my chest or I ache all around the top of my arms into my chest area. It’s daily now & the pain gets worse as the day goes on.

Someone on here recently suggested it might be costochondritis, how would I know if it is & how do I treat it as painkillers are not helping?

[cyberbarn]

It could well be costochondritis. There are nerves, muscles and tendons in-between each rib and around the rib cage. If there is any inflammation then that can irritate the nerves and we feel that as pain. Additionally the muscles form a sort of web from the neck down the spine and across the shoulders, and they are all interconnected too.

And just to make things more complicated there is something called referred pain. This is where the brain gets a message as to where the pain is, but that isn't where the pain originates.

so if it is inflammation that is causing your problem NSAIDs like ibuprofen should help. It doesn't take the pain away as such, but it should start to damp down the inflammation. And rest. If there is damage to the ligaments or muscles that is triggering the inflammation then resting those muscles should also help.

The thing with costochondritis though is that it isn't a diagnosis as such, it is a description of the symptoms. There are different things that can cause it. It could be a physical injury or strain, or coughing, or it could be caused by a type of arthritis. Or if could be caused by the muscles in your neck being really tight and going into spasm.

[Gilly61 in reply to cyberbarn]

Thanks, that really explains a lot. I do have osteoarthritis in my neck & spine so maybe it is connected to that.

Your reply has made me feel calmer thank you🙏

[Nix28Nix]

I suffered for years with chest pain - thinking I was having a heart attack before my doctor told me I had Costochodritis. I use a Backpod which has transformed my life. Have a look at the website for Backpods and also see your doctor to get checked out properly... bodystance.co.nz. You can buy them thru Amazon too. I would not be without mine. Go days pain free now.

Hope this helps.

[PainConcernHelpline Moderator Community Champion Pain Concern]

Dear Gilly61

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