Ribs

[Manchild]

So, a new development in my confition. In the past few weeks I have developed some pain that comes and goes in the ribs, that starts in the side and go around to the back where the ribs attach to the spine. This pain responds somewhat to my morning pred, so. as of now, I am considering it PMR related. Previously, before diagnosis, I had similar pain in left rib area that was not diagnosible with testing my my GP. I went away on its own after a couple of months.

Anyone else have similar symptoms that they think are PMR related?

Anyone

[Bronni]

Possibly costochondritis? Several members have reported developing this form of inflammation. I started with it in November and it has just recently gone away. Quite painful when lying down and taking deep breaths. A small increase in prednisone helped me, but I think it also responds to ibuprofen.

[morrison in reply to Bronni]

I don't think it is recommended to take any other anti inflammatory medication with pred.Such as ibuprofen. ?

[Bronni in reply to morrison]

No it’s definitely not recommended, but I hear of people all the time taking ibuprofen while on pred. Probably not the best idea!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bronni]

My rheumy uses NSAIDs short term for certain things - but insists on a PPI/ranitidine being taken at the same time.

[Bronni in reply to PMRpro]

See, what the heck do I know. I did better when this forum had more silliness 😂

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bronni]

I was just saying it is may be OK in small amounts and with care. But actually I agree with you - I was terrified when he gave me over a week of high dose NSAIDs infusions!!!

[Bronni in reply to PMRpro]

Ah. Thanks. I’m getting a teeny bit paranoid about my responses these days 🙄. But heading to the beach with my grandkids now. That puts everything into perspective ❤️

[Neverending63]

I agree with Bronni about costochondritis. I had it a while back and it can be extremely painful. It took about 4 months before it finally went. Just had to take painkillers when it was at its worst.

[Chrob]

Have , had this ,front now seems a lot better , back still somewhat . I think its the costochondritis . Have had to up pred anyway .

[pmrkitty]

I have costochondritis also, the hearing pad helps but it comes and goes as it pleases. I cannot wear a bra when it is bad so I just go with the flow, it will stop eventually and run its course. I hope it doesn't last long for you. Take care

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I agree with the others that costochondritis is a possibitity - have you checked it out?

webmd.com/pain-management/c...

However - do you have any back pain otherwise? Do your back muscles feel tight and hard? Another cause of rib and back pain at that level can be tight muscles irritating and even pinching nerves on their way from the spine to the areas they supply. In the low back this could cause sciatica but another pair of trigger points in myofascial pain syndrome lie on either side of the spine at about rib level. The pain they cause can spread all the way around the bottom of the rib cage. Myofascial pain syndrome will often improve in response to higher doses of pred, returning as the dose lowers.