Costochondritis Treatment Info

Do you have severe chest pain?

This post will provide advice on costochondritis treatment.  I know it seems that the internet is parroting information regarding the same advice in managing this condition.

My intention is to go beyond this, to provide information that really helps.  I wish I had come across this information when I was a kid .  So here goes….
Is It Really Costochondritis?

The first line of business is to know if you have costochondritis in the first place.  The primary thing people complain of with costochondritis is severe chest pain that may radiate to the back and abdomen.

It is important to note that these symptoms may mimic those from other conditions.  These conditions are (from most common to least):

• costochondral sprain or SC (sternoclavicular) sprain – this is by far the most common differential diagnosis
• intercostal nerve neurofibroma
• rib fracture
• fibromyalgia – rare
• acid reflux – very rare
• heart attack – very rare

A chiropractor or another doctor with expert musculoskeletal skills can help rule out or rule in these and perhaps any other condition causing chest pain.

What Costochondritis Treatment Actually Works?

I’ve split this section in two parts: a) common mumbo-jumbo advice  b) a better way to treat costochondritis

1. Common Mumbo-Jumbo Advice

Heat, ice, rest, NSAIDS (anti-inflammatory drugs) – “that should do the trick”

2. The Better, Natural Way

This form of costochondritis treatment is the favorite.  Go to a good health food store (not the “wellness” section at a drug store or supermarket) and get the following:

• glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate – helps to build and repair cartilage found in joints including the costochondral joint, the one that’s inflamed in costochrondritis
• ginger root – helps control inflammation
• evening primose oil (EPO) – also helps with inflammation
• omega-3 oils – helps build and repair practically every tissue in your body
• hot mineral bath salts – may be tough to find in some places, but do your best – at least inquire
• a good multivitamin

In addition you may get:

• bromelain – helps with inflammation
• arnica – also helps with inflammation
• white willow bark – inflammation
• valerian root – helps reduce any nervous or muscle tension; has a calming effect

Use the above as directed.  For the bath salts, you may take them with a warm or hot bath 1-2 times/day.

After following all the above advice you should start seeing significant results in just days.

The above items are much better in reducing the pain than the regular run-of-the-mill advice.  These items can be combined with ice, heat or modification of activity, however it is very important to stay away from medications.  If you are taking any prescription drugs, please consult your doctor regarding removing them.

In any case, with proper costochondritis treatment this condition resolves within weeks to months without any residual effects, so that’s good to know.

This article will shed some insight regarding costochondritis and its close relative Tietze syndrome.  I have listed some of the most common questions and provided some answers and whether or not costochondritis treatment is necessary.

What is Costochondritis?

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the rib cartilage attachments to your sternum (your breastplate).  See the diagram to see where in the body I am referring to.   It normally occurs on one side of the sternum (i.e., left or right of it), but can occur on both sides.  Costochondritis normally occurs in adolescents – about 4% of individuals in this age group acquire it.

What Causes Costochondritis?

The cause of costochondritis is not well understood.  Some potential causes may be repetitive stress, blunt trauma or just genetics.

What is Tietze syndrome?

This involves almost the same symptoms as costochondritis, however there are three major differences.

• there is swelling involved (this is the most important difference)
• it normally occurs higher up in the ribcage than costochondritis (which normally occurs in the middle ribs), and is even more often on one side
• it is thought to occur more often in older folks (above the age of 50)

What Are the Symptoms And Signs of Costochondritis?

The primary complaint is unexplained, severe chest pain.  The pain can also radiate to other areas of the body.  Pain can increase with deep breathing.

Is There Anything To Worry About With Costochondritis?

Costochondritis is a benign condition that heals by itself over time.  However, when you first have symptoms, it is tough to distinguish whether or not they are from costochondritis or some other, more severe, condition.

Because the symptoms can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack, these symptoms are considered a medical emergency until red flag causes can be ruled out.

So, in short: other than the fact that it may mimic more severe conditions, costochondritis is not a condition to worry about, other than the fact that having it is unpleasant.

Will Costochondritis Ever Heal?

Yes!  This condition is usually self resolving, and can resolve without costochondritis treatment.  If the sufferer is in excruciating pain consider physiotherapy treatment, natural remedies or even ice to control the pain.  I would not suggest over-the-counter drugs.

How can I tell if I have Costochondritis?

As you have probably figured out it is important not to be your own doctor here for at least two big reasons.

• there are many conditions, some severe and even fatal, that mimic the symptoms and signs of costochondritis
• there may be, in some rare cases, conditions that are associated with or even cause costochondritis.  Most of those are arthritides (i.e., certain conditions that cause arthritis), although inflammatory bowel diseases can lead to it as well

The proper approach is to get an assessment from a qualified health professional – one experienced in musculoskeletal conditions or arthritides is best.

To summarize, costochondritis is an unpleasant, yet benign condition.   The serious part is that you should not play doctor since the condition may mimic certain, more life-threatening conditions and may be associated with other conditions.   The good part is that once you can rule out all those other conditions, and can be certain that you have costochondritis then, other than certain bouts of excruciating chest pain, there is nothing to worry about.

The costochondritis treatment I mentioned above may help manage symptoms, but for the most part, the condition does heal by itself for good.

Costochondritis Treatment information coming soon!  Stay tuned….