Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group rib cage or heart involvement and typical pain for

Can someone tell me what typical pain one gets when AS gets into the rib and sternum area? I'm wondering if that's what's happening with me now.

My symptoms are that I feel pain when my lungs get to the end of their range of motion. That is, when I take a deep breath, there is pain seemingly around the sternum/front rib area when I get to the point where I can't breath in more. When I exhale I also get pain in the same area near the end of the exhale. It seems to be intermittent... exercise has both relieved the pain at times and at other times possibly brought it on.

What IS the typical pain one feels when inflammation gets into the rib cage/sternum area... is it like this? I was also recently diagnosed with mild asthma and the doctor had asked if there was ever tightness in my chest and I said yes... I thought this was was it was at first but now that I'm on medication for that and the symptoms haven't gone I'm thinking it's AS. Also, anyone suggest anything for relief? I've tried exercise, deep breathing exercises, & heat to date. It seems to be worse at night too which is also what leads me to think it's AS.

thxs for any thoughts/suggestions
peg

Hi,
I think they call this rib to sternum joint pain costeochondritis.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/costochondritis/DS00626

I have this pain once in a while. It's a stubborn pain to make go away too. The only thing that has helped me was deep massaging. Deep breathing exercises during the pain seems to make it hurt more for me.

I hope this helps, and hope you feel better.
Take care,
James.

Peg,
I don't get the pain in that location. Mine hits in the last 3 ribs on my left side. I really feel it when I yawn big. it feels like my lungs are ballooning thru the ribs. it hurts alot and makes you instantly stop taking that breath for sure. When I was on the Enbrel this was the first pain I noticed not having.

i dont get that type of rib pain.. mine feels more like im being crushed.

From what I understand, AS certainly does affect the ribs and such in some people. Wherever bones articulate (fit together) we can have inflammation and pain. As I recall from my studies, once upon a time, all the ribs are connected to the spine and the higher ones meet up with the sternum. It would stand to reason that these would be the places that we would hurt the most but like Tamara said, I too feel pain at the sides of my rib cage as well?

My PT explained to me that the fusing and stiffness gets worse over time and causes reduced lung capacity. One of the many things they measure when they do a full exam is measuring both minimum and maximum lung expansion. I think mine was less than 3cm which wasn't very good. I was told to practice deep(er) breathing exercises to try to increase this range of movement. I say "deep(er)" because what I once considered deep breathing would now be something that would cause more damage rather than promote increased movement.

Instead of trying to force your lungs to expand to their maximum, you might want to try this: take a breath just a little more than you usually would and hold it for about ten seconds. Do this throughout the day but don't try to exert yourself. At your own pace, increase the size of the breaths and/or the length of time you hold it and eventually, your lungs will increase their capacity and you should also feel a reduction in pain. This is the advice I was given, for what it's worth.

When you overdo it, you cause pain. With the pain and stiffness comes a natural reluctance to not want to do it again. This vicious-cycle leads to reduced ability to breathe and increased pain. So don't overdo it, you won't do yourself any favours by taking the really deep breaths.

I also notice that you are in Van. I loved that city, I lived there before I joined the military and all my friends are still there. One of my old friends also has AS but I didn't know it until I told him about my diagnosis. He either didn't mention it or I never listened. He was the first person to tell me about the Arthritis Center. There happens to be a really good one in Vancouver - so good, my friend travels from Vernon to go there. That's over four-hours away, for anyone not familiar with BC.

Hopefully you will get some answers from your doctors and I would strongly suggest asking for a referral to the Center if you can. I go to the one here in Victoria and I just love it there. Unfortunately, they can't really do much when I'm in a lot of pain because my body just refuses to play along...consequently, I haven't been there for a couple of months.

Take care of yourself peg,

Chris

I get mine in last three ribs of right side, in the sternum section and also the chest often feels like it is being crushed. Sometimes all three together...and playing the concerto tonight (pick your instruments 'LOL') Going to have to take meds tonight, flaming costo!

Peg - this is exactly where my pain is - the sternum and where my ribs and clavicular joints meet the sternum. It hurst at the end of the range of motion as you described. It also hurts to put light pressure on my sternum or my collar bones.

They apply pressure to my sternum to help determine if it is the costeochondritus causing the pain, and the costo is always the diagnosis. The only thing I can do when it is really bad is to take pain medication and go to bed. There is literally nothing else I can do.
The doctors keep a close eye on my heart though also, just in case.

Jill

my muscle relaxant helps my rib pain.

i also stopped wearing a bra. not sure if i can keep that up now that warmer weather and skimpier clothing season is upon us, but i've been much more comfortable.

sue

I wonder if Gloria Steinem had AS?