QuestionFor about three years or so my third rib has been raised or swollen. When palpated there is a noticeable difference in the height of the rib coming off the chest and it causes discomfort and mild pain. Recently I have felt a pressure build up in the rib or in my sternum and have found that I can crack my sternum. This relieves the slightly painful mostly uncomfortable pressure in my chest. This happens about every 15 minutes or so. What should I do about this?
Answer
A Nice Place
Hi Kristine: How are you.? Is it the 3rd. Rib from the top or the bottom.? You have Costocondritis or Tietzies Syndome. Those are fancy words for Cartilage inflammation. The Ribs articulate at the Sternum. Those are the Costosternal joints. Your joint there is subluxating versus dislocating. Every time it pops you get a miniscule release of Endorphins. Opiate like pain killer from your body.That however, is short lived. You are left with pain and inflamation. And, a little closer to developing arthritis in that spot. As you age, that joint will eventually fuse and become immovable. Try not to intentionally pop it. The more it pops, the worse it gets. So pailful it can mimic or be confused with a Heart Attack.!Some people go to the ER with chest pain only to find out it's Costocondritis. To be on the safe side, go to a walk in Urgent Care and get it XRayed. This will be read by a Radiologist. Only then will you have a %100 Diagnosis. I hope this helps. Try www.spineuniverse.com % www.spine-health.com All kind of pictures there. You can try Glucosomine % Chondroiten Sulfate over the counter. This is good for all your joints anyway. The Veterinarians discovered this stuff. Anyway,Kristine, PLEASE GO TO A DOCTOR AND GET IT XRAYED. Keep in touch. > Dr Ron Grassi,DC.,MS. Jupiter,Florida. www.DrGrassi.com <
Thank's Kristine: One more thing. To manage it experiment with Ice and MOIST Heat. Each 10min. only.! See which one works BEST FOR YOU. If gets really bad ALTERNATE Ice>Heat>Ice. Always start with and end with Ice. Go to www.Amazon.com Get some Emuprofen. This is over the counter transdermal Ibuprofen (Advil) for inflammation. RUB IT RIGHT INTO THE AREA. Gets it to the spot that way instead of through your stomach. I think this is miracle stuff. Dr Ron, Jupiter, Florida.
