Ongoing Rib and Back Discomfort After Intercostal Injury: Seeking MRI and Blood Test Insights
**The Onset of Pain:** In July 2024, I experienced a muscle strain beneath my chest on the right side, likely within the intercostal region, while playing golf. This incident followed a 21km run the previous day. After taking a rest period of about 2 to 3 weeks, I returned to the gym, only to aggravate my back high in the lower region. Unfortunately, that discomfort never completely dissipated. Since that time, I have been trapped in a routine of recuperation, rehabilitation, and cautious exercise, yet the pain persists and tends to flare up easily, even with light resistance training. The initial site of the injury has continued to be problematic, and now the discomfort has expanded to other areas. **Current Symptoms:** - A continual dull ache and pressure at the **lower edges of the rib cage**, particularly around the oblique muscles. - The **right side of my back** feels significantly weakened and sore, with intermittent flare-ups. - I am now noticing similar sensations on the **left side**. - There are trigger points throughout the thoracic and upper lumbar regions that seem to become activated based on my activity levels. - The area around my **right scapula and lat muscle** feels unstable and weak, giving me the impression it could easily get worse with any increased weight training. For the time being, I have kept the weights light and manageable. However, any effort to intensify my workout inevitably results in a setback for my back. When the back discomfort worsens, I experience spasms. Initially, this response originated at the site of the first injury at the front, but it has since shifted to my mid-back region. **Treatment Attempts:** - Over the past ten months, I have undergone extensive physiotherapy, rehabilitation, dry needling, mobility work, stretching, core strengthening exercises, and retraining of my movement patterns. - Unfortunately, none of these measures have provided a lasting solution. I feel overwhelmed and fear that my back may never fully heal due to my earlier decision to push myself too hard while training for a half marathon. **Seeking Guidance:** I am curious if anyone has faced similar issues, and what insights MRI or blood tests could potentially offer in my situation? The gym is vital for my mental well-being, and I am eager for any advice or shared experiences.
Answers (1)
3/22/2025, 2:30:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing significant ongoing discomfort and frustration from your intercostal injury, muscle strain, and the resulting back issues. Your symptoms, especially the persistent pain and weakness, suggest that further evaluation could help clarify the underlying problems.
Understanding Your Situation
You've described a complex situation where an initial muscle strain has led to lingering discomfort, weakness in your back, and the appearance of new symptoms, which can be discouraging. With your commitment to rehabilitation, it’s understandable that you're feeling overwhelmed and anxious about recovery. It's crucial to recognize that while recovery can take time, there are steps you can take to gain insights and improve your situation.
Next Steps
Here are specific, prioritized actions to consider:
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Consult a Specialist for Imaging: Given the nature of your symptoms and the persistence of your pain, an MRI can be beneficial. It allows for an in-depth view of the soft tissues, including potential herniated discs, nerve compression, or other structural abnormalities that might not be detectable through physical therapy alone. Discuss the option of getting an MRI with a healthcare provider to explore this route.
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Consider Blood Tests: Blood tests could help rule out any underlying inflammatory conditions or deficiencies (like vitamin D levels) that may contribute to your pain. Conditions such as autoimmune disorders can sometimes present with similar symptoms. Coordinate with your healthcare provider to determine which tests may be relevant for you.
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Focus on Pain Management: While you continue to exercise (keeping your weights light), integrating additional pain management techniques may help:
- Heat Therapy: Applying heat to the affected areas can ease muscle tension and provide comfort.
- Gentle Stretching: Incorporate gentle stretches specific to your rib cage, back, and oblique muscles. Focus on mobility rather than intensity.
- Breathing Exercises: Engage in diaphragmatic breathing to help alleviate rib and back tension. This can improve muscle coordination and reduce pain sensitivity.
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Review Your Rehabilitation Approach: Since you've been actively undergoing physiotherapy, consult closely with your physiotherapist about your ongoing challenges. They can tailor your rehabilitation program to focus on the specific muscle groups and movement patterns that are currently problematic for you.
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Listen to Your Body: Although it’s important to stay active for mental well-being, if certain activities consistently lead to setbacks, consider adjusting your routine. This might mean taking a step back to allow recovery to occur without further aggravation.
Reassurance
It’s entirely normal to feel weary from ongoing pain and to fear that recovery might feel out of reach. Healing from injuries, especially complex ones like yours, can take longer than expected, and it's important to be gentle with yourself during this process. With the right information and support, it's still entirely possible to regain control over your health and return to the activities that are important to you. Please remember that patience and persistence are key parts of recovery.
Let me know if you have more questions or need further support!
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