u/Over_Stranger_9839

I worked pretty hard to unlock my rib cage and take away most of my pain. I have done a lot of stretching, back pod, and pressure point exercises over the past months. I’m probably 90% healed.

However every time I try to do something active or something that requires muscles I’m in pain the next day. For example yesterday I did 10, 45 degree pushups and 20 rows on very low weight. I obviously stretched out a ton before. It felt fine doing it and even afterwards. This has happened before as well when I try to get active again.

The next day though my chest sternum has dull pain and I have been getting some sharp pains.

I’m just so lost I don’t know what to do.

So just to give a little background on my story, I started having chest pain and shortness of breath about three months ago. I went to the hospital, where they ruled out any heart or lung-related conditions. They told me it was most likely costochondritis.

The past three months have been rough, to say the least. I was a very active person, and since this started I haven’t been able to work out, golf, or run.

At first, I tried chiropractors and saw several doctors, but nothing seemed to help. After doing more research, I found the Backpod. I’ve been using it for about six weeks now, along with stretching, peanut balls, icing, and using heat.

I do feel like I’ve made some progress, especially with the shortness of breath. But on bad days or during a flare-up, I still get significant chest tightness. The biggest issue is that I still can’t do the things I enjoy without triggering symptoms. I’ve tried doing some light resistance band work and gentle back exercises, but they caused a pretty bad flare-up. Even general physical activity can make my chest tighten up. My chest still clicks and hurts, and I continue to deal with tightness in my back and around my shoulder blades.

Overall, I feel like I’ve improved, and being part of this community and using the Backpod have definitely helped. I don’t have 24/7 pain like I used to in the beginning, it’s comes and goes now. I just feel like I can’t quite get over that last hurdle to become fully healthy again.

I know I’ve only been dealing with this for three months, while some people here have been struggling for years. I don’t mean to complain or compare my situation to anyone else’s. This condition is incredibly frustrating, and my heart goes out to everyone dealing with it.

If anyone has been in a similar position where you improved but felt stuck before making a full recovery I would really appreciate hearing what finally helped you get over that last hump.