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Posted 1/23/2023 9:37 PM (GMT 0)
Does anyone else experience pain around the rib cage, like around the bra band? I don't know if it's LD related.
Posted 1/23/2023 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Flrpwr, we had a thread about this that might help you:

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=30&m=4305845

"Pain along the rib margin and/or bra strap lines has been linked to Bartonella infection, which causes cat scratch disease and trench fever."

From: https://igenex.com/tick-talk/uncommon-symptoms-that-may-indicate-a-tick-borne-illness/
Posted 1/23/2023 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
Look into a neurological symptom called "the MS hug." The name never ceases to irritate me. It can happen to people who have nervous system dysfunction, so it happens to plenty of people who don't have MS. It can feel like a squeezing around anywhere on your abdomen, like a corset or tight bra. I have experienced this, and it's obnoxious!

Another possibility is costochondritis - inflammation of the connective tissues around the ribs and sternum. This can feel tender to the touch, or like an electric shock sensation, and can make breathing and moving painful.

Also, similarly, it could be inter-costal spasms or a subluxated rib. A chiropractor, physical therapist, or craniosacral therapist could help you identify if anything is off for you structurally and help figure out how to correct it.
Posted 1/23/2023 11:07 PM (GMT 0)
This forum is amazing. Thank you!
Posted 1/24/2023 9:48 AM (GMT 0)
I had the “MS Hug” from Bartonella.
Was horrible. It wasn’t there 24/7 but would randomly happen and last a day or a few.
Hard to breathe in with it.

Treatment cured it.
Posted 1/25/2023 12:38 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, this was an ongoing symptom for me. Treatment cured it as well. It is actually a joint, believe it or not. Your ribs are joints, and we all know lyme loves joints. It hurt the most when I would be driving bc of the pressure of my sitting position. I had it for months last year until I finally started treatment. Was hoping it was a flare that would go away, but not this time.

Post Edited (Chapelle) : 1/24/2023 5:03:01 PM (GMT-8)

Posted 1/25/2023 6:19 AM (GMT 0)
There can be many reasons for this. Lyme can cause many things ...and sometimes it’s not lyme, we don’t always know for sure until we try different things. And if it is, well, you can still do more than wait for lyme treament to correct this which could be a long time.

Cant say ive ever worn a bra, (ha ha), but in my experience with tick infections I had a lot of “torso tension/tightness”. As stated by others, the ribs are connected by joints. The sternum in the front and to the spine in the back. They can pop out of place - "subluxation" in chiro speak.

I used to crack my rib joints and sternum like crazy. Now after lyme treatment they don’t do that when I stretch my arms out.

There are various muscles that can create upper torso tension. You really cant hurt yourself by prodding around with your fingers on the areas that bother you. If you find the specific area, you can always google image that area, learn the name of the muscle and google that with "trigger point or myofacial release" to see how its done. ...or seek out a chiropractor who does more than just crack the joints.

Post Edited (astroman) : 1/25/2023 12:52:38 AM (GMT-8)

Posted 1/25/2023 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
I also have experienced this very troublesome symptom. I have noticed as I have progressed through treatment, patiently staying the course, that symptom amongst others have resolved. In my case, I believe this particular symptom was due to CNS involvement.
Posted 1/25/2023 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
I appreciate all the information and empathy. Thank you!
Posted 1/25/2023 6:07 PM (GMT 0)
I have had all the issues I mentioned in my earlier post, but I remembered something else I wanted to add.

I had costochondritis most of my life, since I was seven years old. It didn't get worse when I became chronically ill except in proportion to the amount that I was sedentary. I think that was a combination of increased overall inflammation from illness and also circumstantial pressure on the joint from the positions in which I spent my bedbound days. A little over a year ago, I started doing yoga every day, and I have not had costochondritis since. I think strengthening the muscles of my chest and back, along with thorough daily stretching, took pressure off my ribs. I have never been able to sleep on my side before because of costochondritis, and I can now. So that's another thought.
Posted 1/25/2023 9:28 PM (GMT 0)
I have long term ribcage pain also, it has come and gone with changes in treatment. So I believe related to tick borne causes.

Two weeks ago I visited a chiropractor, was adjusted, and the ribcage pain diminished over a period of several days. No pain at all today.
Posted 2/2/2023 3:35 AM (GMT 0)
Yes! I have had this symptom ever since I was bit. I remember going to the ER and telling them that it felt like my bra was trying to strangle me. Everything under my rib cage hurt so bad. I am currently having pain there now as I overdid the detoxing with a massage, sauna and detox bath in the same week...smile For me, I find that putting castor oil on the entire area helps. I usually put it on before bed and wake up feeling much better. I have babesia, bart and lyme.
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