Costochondritis
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, the information on these pages is gathered from my own experience, books, websites, and other people's experience. I will not be held responsible for any injury resulting from this information. If you have a medical condition, you should seek qualified medical advice and supervision at all times.
I shall be adding more details and references on here in a short while, in the mean time though, I have linked in my short personal story.
What is Costochondritis
Costochondritis is the inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage and the surrounding soft tissue (tendons, muscles). It is very painful, often causing panic when acute pain occurs on the left side of the chest, mimicking a heart attack. Most occurances of costochondritis occur with physical damage or a viral infection in the lungs. Usually costochondritis will go away with rest after 1-3 months. Unfortunately there are a great number of people who have chronic costochondritis.
The exact causes for costochondritis are unknown. Physical trauma such as a car accident, bad posture when lifting heavy loads, continual physical work, or viral chest infections are all thought to be causes of costochondritis. Fibromyalgia sufferers often also develop chronic costochondritis.
Chronic costochondritis is very difficult to diagnose, with doctors often resorting to prescribing anti-depression medication, not believing the patient's continual reports of pain. Pain can be in the sternum, the sides of the ribs or coming through to the front of the chest from near the spine. These areas are usually extremely tender and sometimes swollen when physically examined. Twisting movements with the torso, or even breathing deeply can cause acute pain to 'spike' in the chest area.
Typical treatments include ice or heat, rest, anti-inflammatory medication, anti-viral or anti-bacterial medication for underlying conditions, cortisone injections into the inflammed cartilage and in extreme cases, surgical removal of nervs or other invasive procedures. The most effective treatment for the majority of people is anti-inflammatory medication, however, as concern grows about this group of medication, alternatives are being sought. Anti-depressant medications or muscle relaxants may also be prescribed to help patients sleep.
Some sufferers have had relief from acupuncture, physical therapy, massage, or herbal anti-inflammatory medication and diet changes. Costochondritis is yet another illness where treatments really depend on each individual patient. What may work for some, may not work for others. Lifestyle modification where stress is reduced, changed working environments or hours of work may help long-term sufferers.
