A strained sternum? How the heck?

[trickytiger]

Normally, I don't get injured much for all that I do. However, I woke up yesterday morning unable to move or breathe without a significant amount of chest pain! I'm way too young for a heart attack, and I couldn't remember doing anything traumatic to myself, so it was a bit of a mystery. Today I noticed that my sternum was swollen about 2 inches below the top, and decided to get it checked out. The doctor claimed that I've damaged the soft connective tissue around my sternum, and we figured out it was probably job-related (I'm a geologist and recently spent over 20 days in a row hauling awkward, heavy 5-foot lengths of rock core around all day). Apparently the repetitive motion of picking up the core and twisting my body to be able to walk with it was simply too much.

My question is, does anyone have any experience or recommendations with this type of injury? Running is out due to the arm motion, biking is out because I can't support my upper body on the handlebars without pain, and I'm having problems even deeply breathing or driving a stick-shift car or sleeping comfortably. How long can I expect to be out of commission, and what if anything can I do to help this heal?

[LBTC]

I imagine our PTs will have some words of advice for you - Wahine? Pika?

I for one, recommend very gentle exercise, like the most gentle of yoga movements, and walking. And I would think ice should help.

I can't imagine how awful this must be, but I do know that you need rest. You need to give your body a chance to heal! It hurts to not be able to do what you want to do, but you will recover with time, patience and lots of love and support.

Hugs and healing butterflies,
~T~

[Wahine]

TT - it's sounds like a rib subluxation or a good old fashioned costochondral joint irritation.

I would recommend getting in to see a manual therapist, a PT would work if they have manual therapy credentials. Unfortunately, in WA state PTs are not allowed to do spinal manipulation. You may need one. So I would look for a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) or ask around to find a good chiro. I would go for the DO first. If it's a subluxation it may be treated in a few sessions with manipulation and other treatment techniques. Either the DO or Chiro could do this. However, if it's a costochondral joint strain with inflammation but no subluxation, a chiro could make it worse.

Ice is always good and some Aleve (make sure you're OK to take it by checking with the pharmacist). Avoid sitting too long, repetitive twisting and bending.

As for exercise, gentle movement like LBTC suggested would be in order. You won't be able to tolerate impact right now, that's whay you can't run. No weights. Swimming might be OK. You would have to go easy, stick with backstroke to start out with.

These suckers really hurt and you can significantly decrease recovery time with a little help. So go see someone, kay.

Pika - Other ideas? My brain's dead. I still have a virus.

[Veronica]

How about even just kicking with a kick board at the pool. I know it's kind of boring, but if you add fins that jazzes it up a bit. I know I can get my heart rate up pretty high just kicking.

V.

[mimitabby]

a good Osteopath in South SEattle (burien) is Dr RObert Perry
12610 Des Moines Memorial Drive
Seattle, Washington

(206) 243-7818
common sense, bicycling family.

[Wahine]

Thanks Mimi. I always feel better when people get referred to someone by word of mouth.