Recurring Injury in the Shoulder and Rib Area
I’m a 34-year-old female, standing at 5'4" and weighing 165 pounds. My only prescriptions are for mental health issues, specifically bipolar disorder type 2 and complex post-traumatic stress disorder. Professionally, I work as a bartender and maintain a fairly active lifestyle. I don’t smoke, use marijuana very occasionally, and abstain from alcohol altogether. Back in February, I experienced a strain in my left chest wall. This occurred when my dog, who weighs 75 pounds, unexpectedly bolted on her leash, causing me to twist suddenly. I had her leash held tightly in one hand and was caught off guard by her quick movement. Then, in April, while joking around in my kitchen, I decided to leap into the air. Although I didn’t perceive a hard landing, I distinctly felt a pop in my ribs during the jump. After a visit to my doctor and an X-ray, I was diagnosed with costochondritis. They recommended treatment with lidocaine patches and naproxen to alleviate the discomfort. Recently, precisely one week ago, I fell from my paddle board while attempting to stand up, landing predominantly on my left side in the water. Since that incident, I have been experiencing persistent pain in my ribs, particularly on the left side, along with severe pain in the back of my shoulder. Engaging in activities like deep breathing, sniffling, blowing my nose, or coughing triggers extreme sharp pain. While I can raise my arm over my head without discomfort, most other motions exacerbate the pain, sometimes giving the sensation that something is lodged in that area. I am making efforts to schedule an appointment with my primary care physician as soon as possible, hoping to get more clarity on my condition. I find that urgent care may not be beneficial since they typically only perform X-rays and offer little additional help. To manage my symptoms, I’ve resorted to methods like KT tape, lidocaine patches again, and CBD balm. Additionally, I still have some naproxen left from my earlier prescription that I’ve begun to take again. Thank you for taking the time to read my situation; I hope I have shared sufficient information!
Answers (1)
7/21/2025, 9:10:52 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with recurring pain and discomfort in your shoulder and rib area, likely stemming from different incidents of strain and injury. The chest wall pain you're experiencing, especially after a recent fall, deserves close attention. Here are some considerations and steps you can take to manage your symptoms and address this issue effectively.
Main Points:
- Persistent Pain Management: You are experiencing ongoing discomfort which has been exacerbated by recent activities.
- Awareness of Symptoms: Monitor your symptoms closely while you're waiting for your doctor's appointment.
- Self-Care Strategies: Implement practical self-care measures to alleviate pain.
Explanation:
Costochondritis, which you were diagnosed with, is inflammation of the cartilage where the ribs attach to the breastbone and can result in significant pain, especially with movements that involve the chest. With the recent fall, your symptoms may have worsened, potentially due to a new strain or bruising in that area. It's great to hear you're in the process of scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician, as they will be able to assess your injury more thoroughly.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Rest and Activity Modification:
- Avoid activities that increase your pain, such as heavy lifting or overly aggressive movements.
- Prioritize rest to allow your body to heal; however, gentle and gradual movements can be beneficial to maintain mobility, as long as they don't exacerbate the pain.
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Pain Management:
- Continue using any over-the-counter medication (like naproxen) for pain relief, following the dosing instructions.
- Continue using lidocaine patches and KT tape as they can help relieve localized pain.
- Applying ice, wrapped in a cloth, on the painful areas for 15-20 minutes at a time can also help reduce inflammation and soothe pain.
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Breathing Exercises:
- Engage in gentle deep breathing exercises, but carefully. If deep breathing causes severe pain, focus on shallow breaths and gradually increase your depth as tolerated.
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Keep a Symptom Diary:
- Track your pain levels and any new symptoms that arise. Note what activities trigger the pain and any relief methods that help. This will be useful for your healthcare provider.
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Hydration and Nutrition:
- Maintain proper hydration and nutrition to support recovery.
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Plan for Your Appointment:
- Prepare a list of your symptoms, what exacerbates or alleviates them, and any treatments you’ve already tried. This will help your physician understand your situation better during your visit.
Your proactive approach to managing your symptoms and seeking professional help is commendable. Remember to be gentle with yourself during this recovery period, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions or concerns along the way.
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