HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes Severe Pain In Ribs When Diagnosed With Costochondritis?

Posted on Fri, 19 Feb 2016

Question: I have been having back and rib pain for over a year that seems to have been caused by a lifting injury. I was diagnosed with costochondritis on my sternum when I also dislocated a rib. My job requires heavy lifting and repeatedly bending over and I also a avid weightlifter I had blood work done back in September and all finding were normal. Chiropractic says I have inflamation in the ribs on my back near my spine that seem to flare up. Wednesday he spent a lot of time pressing on hurtful spot in back and cracking back and neck and that whole day i felt really good and the past few days have been a lot better. I was worried about my liver. The rib pain in front is gone and mostly in back upon taking muscle relaxers for the past two days. Noticed a small cramp like upon waking from sleep in the same spot. Lortab also helps with pain but relaxer seems to help a lot.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Needs rest, back extension exercises

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Yes, you do have localised regions is muscle spasms which can be triggered by weight lifting.

Muscle relaxants cam help to some extent but can be useful if taken long term.

It is wise to apply hot packs to the painful regions.

If you sense radiating pain to the lower limbs and any tingling or numbness, then your can get an MRI of your spine to look for any nerve root compression.

Avoid bending forwards as much as possible. Avoid lifting weights atleast for 15 days. Give rest to your spine as it is crossing limit of its endurance. Do back extension exercises and straight leg lifting exercises. Try to sleep on your back as much as possible. Get regular massages done to ease out the knots.

These tips and precautions shall help you get better.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (0 minute later)

Also feels a little different sleeping on the right side then on the left.Thanks for the quick response. The chiro also took his thumb and pressed on a spot on the back rib near the spine and it was almost instant relief for a while.. I have attached and photo of the back and marked and x at pain sites (the left side X was a mistake. if this is still your opinon of muscles I will close discussion and move on..

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Paraspinal muscle spasm

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the reply.

I have reviewed the picture you sent to me.

That seems to be a common region for localised muscle spasm,which is the paraspinal region.

Do follow the tips and precautions I detailed to you.

I believe you must consult a good Physiotherapist who will help to massage out the knots or use heat generation methods to provide you relief.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (50 minutes later)

Thanks doc. This has been a ongoing problem for a long time. I will get with a physiotherapist. Would acupuncture help any? I noticed its worst in the mornings and upon sitting for long periods and it spelled by leaning forward some and then it goes away. Muscle relaxers have helped about 50%. Seems to come and go. I thank you for your time

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Physiotherapy

Detailed Answer:
Acupuncture may help. You could give it a try. Do visit a good Physiotherapist one before you embark on Acupuncture though.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (6 hours later)

last questons doc. while getting a massage in that area, the person doing it said it felt like the small muscle was swollen. I also noticed when I lay flat on a hard floor I feel it in that area that is somewhat painful. After a short run today I felt some pain towards the hip area aswell. This sound similar as to above?

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Muscle spasm

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the reply.

The swollen muscle could be localised muscle spasm. If you have pain in the hips, kindly do get an Xray for reference.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj