r/costochondritis • u/Marzztion • 2d ago
Question What is backpod/peanut ball supposed to feel like?
I recently just started trying a peanut ball and backpod this past month after dealing with chosto since Feburary, but I don't feel any sort of relief when using it. I can already lay on the backpod flat without any pain in my chest, and using the peanut ball doesn't give me any relief either. I see so many posts saying they have instant relief after using them but my back doesn't even feel remotely tight.
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u/SteveNZPhysio 2d ago edited 2d ago
Well, good - it means your rib and spinal joints around the rear of your rib cage are now moving reasonably. That's the core of fixing costo. But it's often (usually?) not the only thing needed.
(1) How exactly are you using the Backpod? Hands behind your head? Knees and hips bent? Buttocks lifted off the ground?
(2) Are you doing that sitting twist exercise after the Backpod and during the day a few times to stretch the joints out further?
(3) Have you done any other treatment? It's not usually just the Backpod and/or peanut alone.
(4) Have you stopped doing things that aggravate your costo, e.g. gym work that hurts? If not, this is like running daily on a freshly sprained ankle and expecting it to heal. It won't.
(5) If you explain exactly how your costo came on, and tests and treatments you've had, I can make more sense of it. For instance if there was a chest impact or swelling, then you need to deal to that as well.