COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
For some of us that suffer the extra burden of constant pain, here are some possibilities:
Diaphragm: Chest Pain, Rib Pain, Difficulty Breathing
Diaphragm Pain
Chest pain, pain around the bottom of the ribs, a band of pain across the mid back and difficulty inhaling deeply can indicate diaphragm muscle dysfunction.
What pain and symptoms are associated with the diaphragm?
*Chest pain
*Pain around the bottom ribs
*Can cause a stitch or sharp pain in the side
*A band of pain across the middle back
*Where is the diaphragm muscle?
The diaphragm is a mushroom shaped muscle that lies under the middle to lower ribcage.
What movements does the diaphragm muscle control?
Elevates and expands the ribcage during breathing
Activities that cause diaphragm pain and symptoms:
*Labored breathing (asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, pneumonia)
*Gasping for air during sports activities
*Hyperventilation
Interesting facts about the diaphragm:
Pain around the bottom of the ribs is often diagnosed as inflammation of the ribs, separated ribs, ulcers or gallbladder trouble. These symptoms can be trigger points in the diaphragm.
Clinical diagnoses to which this muscle symptoms may contribute:
Rib fracture of lower ribs, Costochondritis, Shortness of breath, Pleurisy, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD, Emphysema), Pneumonia or Bronchitis, Asthma, Sprain/Strain or Tear of the Rectus abdominis, Internal or External Obliques, or Intercostals
Other muscles that should be considered and examined in conjunction with the diaphragm:
*Intercostal Muscles http://thewellnessdigest.com/intercostal-muscles-rib-pain- breathing-difficulty/
*Scalenes http://thewellnessdigest.com/scalenus-anterior-medius- posterior-muscles-neck-shoulder-chest-upper-back-arm-pain/
*Pectoralis Major http://thewellnessdigest.com/pectoralis-major-muscle-chest- shoulder-upper-back-arm-hand-pain/
*Pectoralis Minor http://thewellnessdigest.com/pectoralis-minor-muscle- shoulder-upper-back-chest-arm-finger-pain/
*Rectus Abdominis http://thewellnessdigest.com/rectus-abdominis-muscle-mid- and-low-back-abdominal-heartburntesticular-pain/
Diaphragm: Chest Pain, Rib Pain, Difficulty Breathing
Diaphragm Pain
Chest pain, pain around the bottom of the ribs, a band of pain across the mid back and difficulty inhaling deeply can indicate diaphragm muscle dysfunction.
What pain and symptoms are associated with the diaphragm?
*Chest pain
*Pain around the bottom ribs
*Can cause a stitch or sharp pain in the side
*A band of pain across the middle back
*Where is the diaphragm muscle?
The diaphragm is a mushroom shaped muscle that lies under the middle to lower ribcage.
What movements does the diaphragm muscle control?
Elevates and expands the ribcage during breathing
Activities that cause diaphragm pain and symptoms:
*Labored breathing (asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, pneumonia)
*Gasping for air during sports activities
*Hyperventilation
Interesting facts about the diaphragm:
Pain around the bottom of the ribs is often diagnosed as inflammation of the ribs, separated ribs, ulcers or gallbladder trouble. These symptoms can be trigger points in the diaphragm.
Clinical diagnoses to which this muscle symptoms may contribute:
Rib fracture of lower ribs, Costochondritis, Shortness of breath, Pleurisy, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD, Emphysema), Pneumonia or Bronchitis, Asthma, Sprain/Strain or Tear of the Rectus abdominis, Internal or External Obliques, or Intercostals
Other muscles that should be considered and examined in conjunction with the diaphragm:
*Intercostal Muscles http://thewellnessdigest.com/intercostal-muscles-rib-pain- breathing-difficulty/
*Scalenes http://thewellnessdigest.com/scalenus-anterior-medius- posterior-muscles-neck-shoulder-chest-upper-back-arm-pain/
*Pectoralis Major http://thewellnessdigest.com/pectoralis-major-muscle-chest- shoulder-upper-back-arm-hand-pain/
*Pectoralis Minor http://thewellnessdigest.com/pectoralis-minor-muscle- shoulder-upper-back-chest-arm-finger-pain/
*Rectus Abdominis http://thewellnessdigest.com/rectus-abdominis-muscle-mid- and-low-back-abdominal-heartburntesticular-pain/
I appreciate the time and effort you put into getting this info to us.
Roy
I have had lots of x-rays & other tests to try to pinpoint what is causing this pain, but no thoracic injuries to date.
I think some of us just get pain with their COPD & I am one of them.
that scalene no dr has ever named, but that sure does cover all the areas that i hurt!
i always thought i couldn't have so many "different" parts go out like i have; now you show me they are all connected --- good stuff peter!
at least i have found a dr now that doesn't tell me it's all in my head & tries to keep me as comfortable & functioning as well as possible.
i wonder if as we get more severe in the COPD these things get worse?
my 1st 2 years on 02 i got around fine. then i went from moderate to severe & i have had pain ever since.
has anyone else developed pain as their COPD worsened???
*IF* you want to live your life that is...otherwise the only way to be pain free for me is sitting on my butt or laying in bed. Not an option right now.
What has started to worry me lately is aches n pains in legs and lower back akin to what arthritis should feel like....it seems worse if im cold, well hoping its just the weather we are having currently....
Peter
Today I fell and now my knees are again swollen, I did 8 weeks of rehab so I could get out of a chair without attracting attention, well I'm right back there today. I hope it won't last.
Thanks for the info, every bit helps, thanks Peter.