Drug InfoNet Doctors' Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Doctors' Answers to "Frequently Asked Questions" -

These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.

Calcification of Cartilage
Question: About 2 months ago I started getting pains on and behind my ribcage(lower left). These pains have gotten progressively worse during this time. What my doctor has said (after x-ray and bone scan) is my cartilage is calcifying and is somewhat detached from my lower ribs. This is very painful. I now take Hydrocodone periodically for the pain which works well, but I was wondering if this is a condition I will have to weather for rest of my life? Can something be done to alleviate the condition? If this is not correctable what are the long term cons of using Hydrocodone? I have tried other anti inflammatories and pain relievers, but none seem to work as well. Please help me get to the bottom of this. I could use some relief (or some answers). I'm 26 years old. This seems odd for someone my age.

Answer: It sounds like you have had some trauma which dislocated the rib cartilage. Possibly seeing a Pain Specialist for a nerve block would remove the necessity for narcotics.
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