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Real members of MySpondylitisTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Is it common to have chest pains (front and back) and shoulder pains? Is that a common symptom?

A MySpondylitisTeam Member asked a question 💭
Winnipeg, MB

I have had pains in my chest that started in 2018 as sharp pain in my lower right chest. It has slowly gotten worse over the years, all the while I also had lower back pain, but just figured the back pain was normal.

The chest pain has always bothered me the worst, and it now feels like my entire chest cavity front and back is inflamed all the time. It affects my shoulders as well, and is very painful at night when trying to roll over and reposition trying to sleep.

I have spent several… read more

February 21
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A MySpondylitisTeam Member

@A MySpondylitisTeam Member. What is your posture typically like? I know it sounds trite, but hour by hour average trunk posture absolutely impacts spine health with or without AS, it's just worse with AS. This causes neck, shoulder, arm to fingers, pelvis, sciatica, and hip to foot pain. It can also impede lymphatic fluid flow and cause ankle and brain fluid buildup. Next time you are sitting on the sofa, standing at the kitchen sink or stove, if a friend or family member is present, have them take a picture of your full body profile from the side. As you are typically, dont straighten up for the photo, that's cheating😉. Take a look at the pic. Are your shoulder tops rolled forward at all? Chest curled downward towards your stomach a little? Is your belly relaxed outward? Do you put more weight on one leg vs the other while standing? Is your head position tilted downward? All these positions can and absolutely will cause pain on various parts of your body over time. It is essential that we remain vigilant and mindful of how we carry our bodies, even while relaxing, to avoid lasting damage with pain.

February 22
MySpondylitisTeam

Yes, chest pain (both front and back) and shoulder pain are common symptoms of spondylitis, and what you're experiencing sounds very familiar to many others with this condition.

Chest pain in spondylitis is frequently caused by costochondritis, which is inflammation of the cartilage connecting your ribs to your breastbone Show Full Answer

Yes, chest pain (both front and back) and shoulder pain are common symptoms of spondylitis, and what you're experiencing sounds very familiar to many others with this condition.

Chest pain in spondylitis is frequently caused by costochondritis, which is inflammation of the cartilage connecting your ribs to your breastbone. This typically affects the upper ribs and can cause pain that radiates to your back and stomach area. The pain often worsens with deep breathing, coughing, sneezing, or repositioning at night—exactly what you're describing.

About 33 percent of people with spondylitis experience shoulder pain, which is often linked to inflammation in multiple areas. Your shoulder pain may be related to:

* Inflammation spreading from your spine and ribs
* Enthesitis (inflammation where tendons attach to bones)
* Compensating posture from trying to manage other pain
* Stiffness in your rib cage affecting how your shoulders move

Many MySpondylitisTeam members describe similar experiences. One member shared: "It feels like a heavy weight on my chest, and deep breathing causes coughing." Another said their sternum and area above the diaphragm hurt constantly.

The fusion in your spine can also cause your rib cage to stiffen, making it harder for your chest to expand properly when breathing, which adds to the discomfort you're feeling throughout your chest cavity.

It's important to keep your doctor informed about all your symptoms, including the gallbladder area pain, as spondylitis can sometimes involve inflammatory bowel issues that cause abdominal discomfort.

February 21

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