Inflamed nerve - elevated first rib - what to do?

[Lhollo]

Thanks for your reply!

There's no way for me to contact my physio, although I could call his co-worker.

I don't think it can be a reaction to the last treatment, because I was better for a few days after it. I rested all week, as he'd told me to. Then, this weekend, I drove for 20 minutes to a meeting I couldn't avoid. Since then it's been hell.

The new aspect to it is the other rib/chest thing, which my physio did treat at my last session - that's how I know about it. It was the first time I'd had that problem - previously it's only been the first rib. He did seem quite concerned this time and really rammed home that I need to rest and not spend long hours at the computer.

I'm guessing that it's thoracic outlet syndrome, with another rib thrown in as well, and he's trying to halt its progress.

With it suddenly worsening this much, and him being away this week, I just don't know who to ask for advice as to what to do and what not to do. The only time I'm sure I'm not making it any worse is when I'm out walking. It's hard to rest when I can only sit bolt upright and even then it hurts, and I'm desperately trying to get used to sleeping on my back.

I'll lay off the heat pack for now and maybe try ice.

I'll also call my doctor in the morning.

Thanks again, and please do let me know if you have any other suggestions or advice.

[Judith Mollet]

Are you left handed? Just wondering about the pain distribution down the arm on the left side?
Has the physio looked at muscles like the scalenes that go from the transverse proccesses of the neck vertebrae to first and scond rib?
They can have trigger points in them that give your pain distribution symptoms.
Indications: back,shoulder and arm pain. Thoracic outlet sydrome. Scalene syndrom. Oedema in the hand. Whiplash. 'restless neck'. Irritability.
Referred pain patterns:
anterior: persistant aching, pectoralis region to the nipple
posterior: upper medial border of scapula
lateral: front and back of arm to the thumb and index finger
Differential Diagnosis: Brachial Plexus. Subclavian vessels. Cervical discs c5 c6. Thoracic outlet syndrom. Angina. Carpal tunnel. Upper trapezius. Sternocleidomastoid. Splenius capitis.
They can be activated by various things. Often pulling or lifting. Relief sometimes comes if you hunch shoulders towards ear or let underarm be supported on something under your ellbow when sitting to reduce the pulling downwards effect when they are aggravated. Having had a whiplash all sorts of factors can be involved. Driving could have stirred them up. Moist warmth but not hot hot hot around neck may help.
Gentle stretch of them like move ear /shoulder away from each other (on the same side ) can help as part of a treatment but diagnosis online is an iffy affair and I can't be sure if it is that or what your physio is doing with you.