COPD and Muscle Tension

[Sandy__0__0]

    
      Re: COPD and Muscle Tension
    


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Posted by CCF Neuro M.D. on August 11, 1997 at 18:10:32:

In Reply to: COPD and Muscle Tension posted by Sandy on July 26, 1997 at 00:15:48:

: I have severe COPD (Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease).  Most of the time I am experiencing a band of extreme muscle tension in my diaphragm(front and sides)as well as over the breastbone.  This tension is always present, and becomes more pronounced if I inhale deeply.  Sometimes the tension is so extreme that it is as difficult to inhale as it is to exhale.  I am wondering if there could be some neurological explanation for these symptoms.  I suffer greatly with this.  Thank you very much for your help.
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Severe COPD can cause the diaphragm to deform in a way that it is in a disadvantageous position to produce the necessary movement
of the chest wall to make a breath. The diaphragm has to work more harder than usual particularly during periods of physical stress
such as walking, running, climbing stairs etc. This hard work may cause it to go into spasm and produce pain but this is an unusual complaint
particularly at rest. Sometimes problems with the muscles and bones of the chest wall. These include any inflammation or bruises or possible fractures resulting from
trauma. The kind of pain that you describe may be related to these. Do recall any trauma or injury to the part of the chest that is hurting you now? If yes,
than an X-ray with speacial wiews of the ribs may be warranted and the treatment may be simple. I will advise you to see your doctor with these
conserns. I understand that breathing for a patient with COPD is difficult and any other aggravation such as pain will make it more difficult.
If you live near Cleveland Clinic, you may visit any General Internist or a pulmonary physician and he can look into your problem more closely.
As a reminder I would like to advise that the above information is for information purposes only and should not be substituted for visit and advice
of a physician who you see.