I have been to the physiotherapist and the chiropractor Visio says that I have some walk-through ribs in my upper rib cage and that my rib cage spine and torso have twisted into the direction that my body flew forward in my accident but none of this is showing up on scans my doctor isn’t sure what to do next and I’m not really sure but I am on the verge of dropping out of my placement because I can’t do it anymore I have difficulties mopping the floor’s picking up toys being on my feet for short periods of time holding my hands up for short amount of time like it seems almost everything is impossible and getting no answers from anyone just makes it worse if anyone has any ideas please let me know
I came across this site because I am also searching for answers. I was in a car accident 5 months ago. Initially i was diagnosed with whiplash and a bruised sternum. I was the driver in a car - making a left hand turn when I was hit on the passenger side by a car coming through the intersection trying to beat the traffic light. Initially I felt a sharp pain in the middle of my chest - moments after the accident. The pain was so intense over the next few weeks that I was in tears just breathing (or bending forward) - it was so painful.
As that pain settled down and it became more bearable I started to experience other pains in addition to my chest - pain in my upper back - right breast, shoulder and neck. I cannot lift anything heavy. I find that doing any repetitive (like painting - or typing on the computer too long) hurts really badly the next day. I often wake up in the middle of the night with a very stiff neck. It kind of feels like my breastbone - collar bone and neck have shifted - its such a weird feeling - its hard to describe - it just feels like someone loosened the screws in my neck and forgot to tighten then back up !!
Having said that I can't lie on either side (which was the way I would sleep before the accident). When I lay on either side my arms and hands go numb. Anyone else have that problem? When I lie on my back Im fine - its the only comfortable position I can sleep in now.
I do agree with the weather - its cold and rainy here in Ontario today and my chest, upper back and neck and chest are very achy.
I would have thought that 5 months after the accident that there wouldn't be any new symptoms - but I guess Im wrong.
My poor husband thinks I'm exaggerating - but it hurts !! I do find that a warm bath or shower helps - but apart from that I feel like Im falling apart !!
Would love to know what else works for anyone suffering from the same accident pain.
ooked into further??
I'm truly sorry to hear about your pain and discomfort after your car accident. It sounds like you're experiencing a very challenging situation.
Based on your description, there could be several potential causes for your symptoms, including but not limited to:
1. Costochondritis: This is inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum). It can cause chest pain similar to that of a heart attack. The pain may be sharp or dull, and it can be worsened with physical activity, deep breathing, or coughing.
2. Muscular strain: Trauma from a car accident can strain muscles in the chest, leading to persistent pain.
3. Rib injury: Even if there's no fracture, there can be bruising or other soft tissue injuries around the ribs that may not be easily visible on X-rays.
4. Referred pain from the neck: As you mentioned nerve impingement in the neck and disc issues, sometimes pain can be referred from the neck to the chest. This might explain why turning your head exacerbates the pain.
However, it's crucial to remember a few things:
While your symptoms may be due to musculoskeletal problems, chest pain can also signal other serious health conditions, including heart issues. It's always important to rule out life-threatening causes first. If you haven't already, consider seeing an orthopedic doctor, a pain specialist, or a physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) doctor. They might have more insights into musculoskeletal pain, including rib-related issues.
MRI or CT scans can provide a more detailed view of soft tissues, bones, and other structures than standard X-rays. Discuss with your doctor whether this might be a good next step.
If your pain continues to be severe and limiting, consider reaching out to a pain management clinic. They can offer various treatments and interventions to help manage pain.
Good luck.