I was told I had Tietze Syndrome about 8 years ago and throughout that time the pain has been manageable. Recently I've been having lower back problems that seems to irritate my chest. Could the back pain be a result of the Tietze or could the recent inflamation of my chest be a result of the back pain. In either case the pain is somewhat tollerable for now but it's starting to get annoying and soon after both pains seem to ease up, it starts back up againe, all of the sudden... Any suggestions/advice/helpful input?
Tietze Syndrome and Back Pain
(7 posts) (4 voices)-
Steph Kenrose
Key MasterHow is your posture? I have bad posture as a result of Tietze's (it was difficult to stand up straight and pull my shoulders back for years). I can see how that might lead to back pain.
Stephanie
Posted 6 months ago # -
chu000
MemberActually, I do have bad posture. I didn't realize it may have been because of Tietze. I even recently bought a back brace that was supposed pull my shoulders back to reduce the back pain. It did make my chest hurt but I thought it was just pain from muscles being used that I normally wouldn't. What can I do to address my posture problem? Is it a matter of strengthening certain muscles?
Posted 6 months ago # -
Steph Kenrose
Key MasterI hate not having an answer, but this is one of those times :/
Since getting Tietze almost two decades ago, I haven't been able to do any of the usual upper body strengthening exercises without significant pain. I gave up with pushups (the next day, arrgh!).
Maybe someone else will have an idea?Stephanie
Posted 6 months ago # -
Hi, I've had Tietze's about 10 years now althouh only diagnosed for about 8. Although it's a long time since it's been debillitating it's still always an issue. Your post really struck with me because of your back pain. Before my TS was diagnosed my GP (I'm in UK so cost is not the issue when seeing a DR) kept saying keep going to the gym - the fitter you are the better you'll be!! And though I was told to rest for 3 months when I did get a result I did go back to the gym after. What I have found over the years is that I feel much better in summer and I could train again and then I cut right back over the winter. Then 4 years ago I decided to start Tae kwon Do. I asked the doctor to finally sort this out but obviously got no result except to be told I absolutely could not do Tae Kwon Do!! It's too high impact! Well by now I could largely control the worst of the pain by regular use of the sauna, hot water bottles and anti-inflammatories when necessary. So I came to the conclusion I wanted to do it and TS is not fatal. I know some people have it a lot worse but I could cope. TKD is high impact and I started to get a bad back. A friend recommended a Sports Massage Therapist. He has really helped with the back - not cured but loads better - and I think he finds my TS a challenge! He has massaged/manipulated all around my ribs to try and free them up as the joint stiffness permeates to the back which is probably what has also caused my backpain. I know healthcare is different for you but I can't get this n the NHS anyway so I'm lucky I can afford to continue. One session on my ribs has lasted nearly 3 months but I had a chest infection last week and I can almost feel my chest seizing up day by day so I'll go back again. I think you need to keep the rest of your body as strong as possible but not let your ribcage stiffen up.
Posted 4 months ago #
Reply
You must log in to post.