I have had severe chest pain for about a week. No reason for it to pop up. Had xrays done but showed nothing wrong.
Recently(last day and a half) the area has been getting hotter then body temp. Cant move without feeling the pain. Painkillers arent working (aspirin, voltaren, paracetamol and ibuprofen).
Does anyone know whats wrong?
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I was diagnosed with costochondritis at first, but then they figured out that it is chronic myofascial pain (which is very similar to fibromyalgia). You probably have some trigger points (a trigger point is a knot in the muscle). You most likely have several if you have had this for some time. The trigger points are most likely in your sternalis, pectoralis, serratus anterior and intercostal muscles. The only way to relieve a trigger point is to put pressure on it (Use a broad tip marker on the pointy end – I like those fat sharpie’s and consider buying a THERACANE – it is a great tool for the back especially!). Your external intercostal muscles are responsible for expanding your ribcage when you take a deep breath. It will hurt when you press on the trigger point at first and lots of times they refer pain (you will press on the trigger point and feel the pain else where). The pain will be felt at first but then it should gradually get less and less. You have to work out the trigger points (consider seeing a massage therapist who does myofascial release – I tried electro-acupuncture but it was NO-WHERE NEAR AS EFFECTIVE as massage therapy) and you also have to stretch your back, neck and ribcage (do a pec stretch). Remember that anything affected in the back will also be affected in the front and vice-versa. To do a pec stretch (which stretches your pectoral muscles, sternalis, and intercostals) stand in a doorway with your arms against the door frame in an “L” position (and keep your bicep at shoulder height and lean forward. You should feel a stretch in your upper chest. To stretch the neck (re: sternocledomastoid and scalenes) sit in a chair with the feet flat on the floor and arms by your side relaxed. Tilt your head to one side and hold when you feel a stretch. then do the other way. Also for the scalene muscles in the neck tilt the head to one side while seated in the chair and then at the same time turn your head upwards to the ceiling and hold. Also you should try to avoid chest breathing as this will weaken your Sternocleidomastoid Muscle in your neck (it assists you when you need to get extra air when taking a deep breath) – Make sure you try to abdominally breath – even if it hurts! Also make sure you sit with feet flat on the ground and your back straight and not slouched as this can lead to developing trigger points in your back & neck in the scalenes (re: neck) and in the rhomboids and trapezius in your back & other places. You should consider buying the the book by Claire Davies called “The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook”. Trigger points can also create sattelite trigger points (i.e. in your abdominal muscles).
Good luck to you. I got my diagnosis from a Thoracic Surgeon, but you can also see a Rheumatologist.
I also want to note that I went for a pulmonary function test and my family doc told me I had asthma. HOWEVER, he did not know my specialist got a copy of the test results and he said my test was “normal” – so I don’t have asthma! Apparently ALOT of family practice MDs have never heard of Chronic Myofascial pain and do not know about trigger points (mine didn’t).
It could be a pulled muscle that you have aggravated in some way. It could be an infection of some type. Both of these conditions can cause an increase in temperature. There is also a condition called costocondritis which is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects the rib to the sternum. A heating pad or a medication such as Icy Hot may be helpful.
In any event, if you have seen a doctor and the condition is now worse, it sounds like it is time to return to the doctor.
That’s good that you have had it checked with Xrays.. I have had similar issues and it was always a muscle pull or strain. its seems to be what you have but I am no doctor!! Apply heat or take hot baths or showers and this should relieve some of the pain. hope this helps.
You need medical attention It could be a serious infection especially if it is hot to the touch in that area. Maybe see if they can do more then an x-ray. Plus Get the pain Checked out.
GO TO YOUR DOCTOR NOW…..CHEST PAIN CAN BE SERIOUS. PLEASE DONT WAIT SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE RIGHT AWAY
My Grandfather had that same problem about a week before a fatal heart attack. You need to see a doctor.