Costochondritis!

[Crazyequine1990]

Hi guys - I've seen quite a few posts on this and some have been quite helpful but I thought I'd write my own just to see what other people think!

So I've been diagnosed with this a week ago now and it's still there, I knew it would be. But it's extremely painful and it's affecting my daily life and now my work! (I drive for a living)

I've had many tests done about a month ago - Chest X Rays, ECG's, Blood Tests and Troponin Tests as they and myself thought it could be my heart etc so had checks to rule out other things.

I now get a weird bubbly sensation across the top of my chest and sharp stabby type pains here and there across my chest and a really weird pulling sensation from neck all down my left hand side. Also it hurts all down my sides and just under my breasts feels really hard - like where my abdomen is. Really odd...

What do people do to relieve the pain? Is it something that goes completely or does it flare up? Or can the weather affect it at all?

Thank you for reading!

[ftorres18]

I’m sorry to hear about what you’re going through. It’s completely understandable that this pain is affecting your daily life and work. Based on what you’ve shared, here are some suggestions and answers that might help you manage this condition better.

1. Does the pain go away completely or does it flare up?

For many people, it flares up periodically. Factors such as physical activity, stress, or even poor posture can aggravate the symptoms.

However, with proper management (rest, treatment, and possible lifestyle adjustments), the pain can improve over time. Everyone’s experience is different, but flare-ups are usually temporary and manageable.

2. Can the weather affect it?

Yes, changes in weather, particularly cold or damp conditions, can sometimes make the symptoms worse. This is common with certain musculoskeletal or inflammatory conditions.

Keeping your chest and neck area warm, especially during colder months, may help to ease the discomfort.

3. What can you do to relieve the pain?

Although it’s always best to follow specific advice from a healthcare professional, here are some general recommendations:

a. Rest and avoid overexertion:

If your job involves activities like driving, which can strain your chest and upper body, try to take regular breaks and adjust your posture to minimise the pain.

b. Use heat or cold packs:

Heat packs can help relax tense muscles and reduce discomfort, while cold packs can relieve inflammation. Try both to see which works best for you.

c. Over-the-counter pain relief:

Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can help to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. If these don’t work or aren’t suitable for you, consult your GP to explore other options.

d. Gentle stretching or physiotherapy:

Simple stretches to improve mobility and relieve tension in your chest, neck, and sides might help. A physiotherapist could provide specific exercises tailored to your needs.

e. Improve your posture:

Poor posture can worsen pulling sensations and chest pain. If you spend a lot of time sitting or driving, consider using lumbar support or adjusting your seat position to avoid unnecessary strain.

f. Relaxation techniques:

Techniques such as breathing exercises, mindfulness, or gentle yoga can help reduce stress and tension, which may sometimes intensify the pain.

4. When should you seek further medical advice?

If the pain worsens, changes, or presents new symptoms, it’s important to consult your GP or a specialist. Pay attention to warning signs such as:

Persistent or increasing pain that doesn’t improve with rest or medication.

Any difficulty breathing or noticeable changes in your breathing.

Symptoms that significantly impact your ability to carry out daily tasks or work effectively.

Suggestions for Moving Forward:

1. Speak with your GP about a pain management plan:

A GP or physiotherapist can recommend specific treatments or exercises to address the root causes of your pain and improve your quality of life.

2. Consider adjustments at work:

If the pain is affecting your ability to perform your job, you could talk to your employer about temporarily reducing your hours or adjusting tasks while you recover.

3. Identify triggers:

Keeping a record of when and how the pain flares up may help you identify patterns (such as specific activities, weather changes, or stress) and find ways to manage them better.

Final Thoughts:

What you’re experiencing can be very challenging, but it’s positive that you’re seeking advice and trying to understand how to manage it. Flare-ups are common, but with the right approach, the pain should become more manageable over time.

If you feel this is affecting your daily life or work too much, don’t hesitate to seek further medical support. You’re doing your best, and that’s a great step forward. Take it one day at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Stay strong! 👍🙏💪