Most here have, or have had it. Lots of breathing exercises and plenty of patience. I woke a week ago from a dislocation shoulder and 2 slipped ribs. Totally unexpected! Couldn't even scream in pain due to the ribs. Within 40 minutes I got everything popped back into place and saw PT later to help work those areas more.
Sometimes an annoyance, and sometimes a show stopper. We just deal with whichever decides to surprise us at times. 😊
2 days ago
Sternum and rib discomfort is actually quite common with spondylitis. It's often linked to a condition called costochondritis — inflammation where the ribs connect to the breastbone (sternum). This happens because spondylitis causes enthesitis, which is inflammation at the points where tendons and ligaments attach to bone.
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Sternum and rib discomfort is actually quite common with spondylitis. It's often linked to a condition called costochondritis — inflammation where the ribs connect to the breastbone (sternum). This happens because spondylitis causes enthesitis, which is inflammation at the points where tendons and ligaments attach to bone.
The pain can feel like:
- Sharp chest pain that travels to nearby areas like the stomach, back, shoulders, or arms
- Tenderness around the chest wall
- Worsening pain when coughing, sneezing, or taking deep breaths
One MySpondylitisTeam member described it as feeling like "a hot knife through my chest" when breathing. Over time, spondylitis can also cause the rib cage to stiffen, making it harder for the chest to fully expand. This is related to spinal changes that affect posture and chest mobility.
Some ways to manage this discomfort include:
- Breathing exercises to help expand the chest
- Gentle massage around the neck and shoulder area
- Physical therapy to guide safe movement and prevent flare-ups
- Low-impact exercise like yoga, tai chi, or a stationary bike
- Medication as recommended by your doctor
It's really important not to ignore chest pain — always check in with your doctor to rule out anything more serious and get the right treatment plan for you.
5 days ago
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