I've technically been diagnosed with both issues of course a lot of the time they called it "costochondritis" when it was ms hug because it was prior to my diagnosis. the biggest way you can tell the difference is typically at least in my case. Costochondritis typicially would simultaneously occur when you have severe bronchitis or pneumonia. You felt it come on slowly and breathing was you new worst enemy. MS hug can literally attack at any time and keep be short lived or long lasting but it's far more sudden like a Charlie horse.

Just remember when you 1st start getting them, that you need to calm down, realize what's causing it. Do not let the ms hugs lead to developing a panic attack disorder. Don't need more labels on top of the lovely laundry list of problems that come from MS.

I get my Ms hugs when I'm in bed too 😢 I try to just relax and breathe if I'm near my meds I take some baclofen... I hope you feel better soon 🙏🏼

My physio came up with something that works for me use a heatie bag for a few minutes with some controlled breathing that I try to send into my rib cage to relax it.

Then I sit on the side of my bed or a chair feet on the floor, hold my arms out in front of me and fold them, so the hands are holding at their opposite elbows. Then tilt to one side, still folding arms out in front until one elbow is facing the ceiling and the other the floor and hold this stretch for 10 to 20 seconds then do the other side. Repeat a couple of times.

Some times I remember to do this stretch morning, noon and night and I rarely get the hugs anymore.

I was diagnosed with MS over 12 years ago, I’ve had hugs and costochondritis most of that time for varying periods including months.
I believe the Costo and spasms seem to be triggered by me compensating for the hug. It is hard to tell the difference or even if it matters but for me the costochondritis really hurts to touch, even to wear a bra, where as, the long hugs become more of a constant annoying sensation with a deeper pain.

Once my physio did dry needling as I developed a full on spasm. I was scared because I was already in pain and although it hurt a bit initially the spasm, the costochondritis, and the hug sensation all disappeared. I felt quite tender and a bit bruised and it took a few days to get used to not having pain around my rib cage.

If you know me, you’ll know my mantra ‘whatever it takes’🤪

@A MyMSTeam Member, I totally agree that you can have the hug as well as costochondritis. I think when we get the hug we tend to try not to move much because it hurts and holding our bodies in a certain position for too long can possibly bring on the costochondritis. I've never really asked but it does seem possible to me. I use a heating pad on my ribcage to help get rid of it. Wish I could give a better answer but that's all I got, lol

Mentioned Users

A MyMSTea...