costiocondritis

[leagle97]

First off, not sure if I spelled it right.  I was diagnosed our told i have this. I constantly have a dull, sharp pain in my chest wall by my breast that moves from size to side or both sides at one time. Sometimes moves to upper back and shoulder and arms. Doctor says nothing can help this go away that it just takes time. Some days are wise than other. To much movement causes it to hurt. I am a smoker but not s lot. Also I have gerd do could this be causing the pain. Had ekg at doctor office and everything was fine.

Please help

[ChristNonsense]

NSAID is just an abbreviation for a fancy term:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory

In the olden days, steroids were given to reduce inflammation... but when they found that steroids had all kinds of side-effects that people didn't like (e.g. weight gain, mood changes, your whole endocrine system being messed with, etc.), companies tried to make substitutes.

And those substitutes are "Non-Steroidal," because they don't have steroids in them.

Since you cannot get steroids without a prescription, pretty much ANY pain reliever on a grocery store shelf is a Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory:

ibuprofen / Advil / Aleve / aspirin / etc., etc.

The exception is acetaminophen (Tylenol), because it relieves pain in more of a "centrally acting" style, rather than through an anti-inflammatory mechanism. I do wonder, though, if it has *any* anti-inflammatory effects? I don't know.

So, yes, your 800mg ibuprofen is an NSAID.

[leagle97]

Yes 800mg is a nsaid

[ChristNonsense]

An Osteopath is a medical doctor with an extra special feature: they focus on a holistic approach -- for example, osteopathic doctors will sometimes actually *recommend* alternative therapies (like Philnoir mentioned: deep tissue massage, therapy, chiropractic, etc.), rather than "poo-poo" them like your run-of-the-mill doctor that snickers at stuff like that.

In your post, you said, "Doctor says nothing can help this go away that it just takes time."

I can "almost hear" your doctor say that to you (I can almost hear the 'tone' haha).

But, an osteopathic doctor... well, I don't think they would ever talk like that. They would be the type to bring out pages and pages of literature on all the alternative stuff you CAN be doing!

You asked if your pain management doctor could help? Well, I honestly don't know. Some may act like anything anybody else does is stupid. Others may be very open, warm, caring, and helpful. You'll only know if you ask -- go ahead and bring it up, and watch their reaction.

Meanwhile, I would be trying to find someone to *recommend* an osteopathic doctor.

Getting a 'recommendation' is always better than picking an ad out of the blue, out of the phone book, but you do what you gotta do. Next time you are at a pharmacy, ask the oldest pharmacist you can find, "Excuse me, I was wondering if you knew of any osteopathic doctors that have been around for a while..."

Don't worry, though... you'll get to where you need to be. Just listen, pay attention to your body, ask around, get guidance, and keep doing what you're doing, reading forum posts, experiences, etc.

Next time you are on a computer, google your local area. If you are in, let's say, Corpus Christi, Texas, google like this:
osteopathic doctor corpus christi
my experience with osteopathic doctor corpus christi
experiences osteopath corpus christi

etc., etc., you get the idea. Something will pop up.

[leagle97]

What kind of doctor is that?? I also go see a pain management doctor would they be able to help

[philnoir]

I would suggest that you try deep tissue massage from a skilled and experienced technician. Physical therapy or chiropractic are also valid alternatives if you find therapists with experience in treating your illness.

Ibuprofen is an NSAID. 800mg is a big dose -- recommended dosage for your kind of condition is 800mg every 6 to 8 hours. Do not exceed 3200 mg / day (4 doses of 800mg.) The smallest effective dose should always be used. If you find relief with 400mg or 600mg every 6 to 8 hours, reduce your dosage accordingly. If you do not achieve relief within a week or two, stop usage and consult with your physician. There may be other medications more appropriate for your condition.

Always take NSAIDs with food to protect your stomach lining. If negative side effects appear -- black tarry stools, stomach pain, vomiting blood -- discontinue and seek medical attention.

[leagle97]

What kind is that

[ChristNonsense]

Look in your phonebook (yellow pages) under Osteopathic doctors.

That's probably not right... but my gut tells me to type that to you!

[breezytoo]

  Would Ibuprophen 800's be an NSAIDS??

[leagle97]

What kind of doctor do I see for this when my primary doctor don't wanna help

[philnoir]

You're close -- the word is costicochondritis.

Sometimes deep tissue massage can help costicochondritis, but if the intercostal space lies below the breast, there's no access to the soft tissue.

Heat can help soothe the discomfort, and NSAIDs may be useful. Always take NSAIDs with food.