Costochondritis is a literal pain in your chest, and it took me years to find any relief. It is a condition that affects the cartilage that connects the rib cage to the breastbone (sternum). The condition causes pain and tenderness in the front of the chest, which can often be mistaken for a heart attack. Although costochondritis can be painful and debilitating, it is typically not severe and can be treated effectively with various conservative measures.
DISCLAIMER: This content within this post is not medical advice. The purpose of this content is for general education and to share my own experience. This content should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any health condition. Please consult a healthcare professional before attempting anything in this video.
What is costochondritis?
Costochondritis is a medical condition that affects the rib cage and causes pain in the chest area. This condition occurs when the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum (breastbone) becomes inflamed. Costochondritis can cause severe chest pain, often mistaken for a heart attack, which can be alarming and distressing for those affected.
The exact cause of costochondritis is unknown, but it is believed to be related to injury, infection, or strain on the rib cage. The condition is most commonly seen in people between the ages of 20 and 50, and it is more common in women than in men. People who engage in physical activities that put stress on the chest, such as weightlifting or playing contact sports, are more susceptible to developing costochondritis.
Who Gets Costochondritis?
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- Costochondritis can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or lifestyle. However, some groups of people are more likely to develop the condition than others. These include:
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- Women: Women are more likely to develop costochondritis than men. This is believed to be due to hormonal changes in the body that cause inflammation in the joints.
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- People over the age of 40: As we age, our joints and bones can become weaker and more prone to injury. This makes older adults more susceptible to costochondritis.
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- People with a history of chest trauma: People who have had a chest injury, such as a broken rib or sternum, are more likely to develop costochondritis.
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- People with rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune conditions: People with autoimmune conditions are more likely to experience joint pain and inflammation, which can lead to costochondritis.
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- People with a history of heavy smoking: Smoking is known to cause inflammation in the body, and heavy smoking can increase the risk of developing costochondritis.
Symptoms of Costochondritis
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- The main symptom of costochondritis is sharp chest pain that is located in the area where the ribs and sternum meet. This pain is typically worse with movement or deep breathing. Other symptoms of costochondritis may include:
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- Tenderness: People with costochondritis may experience tenderness in the affected area when touched or pressed.
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- Inflammation: The affected joints may appear swollen and tender.
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- Stiffness: People with costochondritis may feel stiff in the chest area, especially in the morning or after sitting for long periods of time.
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- Difficulty breathing: In severe cases, costochondritis may cause difficulty breathing due to inflammation and pressure on the chest wall.
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- Fatigue: The pain and discomfort associated with costochondritis can cause fatigue and reduce physical activity.
Typical Treatment of Costochondritis
The good news is that costochondritis is a treatable condition. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and inflammation and to prevent the condition from recurring. The standard treatment options for costochondritis include:
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- Pain relief medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
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- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the rib cage and reduce pain. This may include exercises to improve posture and breathing techniques.
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- Ice or heat therapy: Applying ice or heat to the affected area can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
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- Steroid injections: In some cases, a doctor may recommend a steroid injection to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct any structural problems in the chest wall. However, this is typically a last resort and is only recommended in rare cases.
How I Found Relief
After many years of suffering, I finally gave the Backpod a try. The Backpod is a tool designed by physiotherapist Steve August to address the issues of a tight upper back and rib cage. It is specifically designed to stretch out the upper and middle back, which can become bent and stiffened due to long periods of sitting or poor posture. When the joints in the spine become jammed up and the surrounding tissues tighten, freeing them up using your muscles or body movements can be challenging. The Backpod offers a solution to this problem, helping to alleviate pain and discomfort in the upper back and rib cage by restoring flexibility to the spine and surrounding tissues.
As someone who was once skeptical about the Backpod’s ability to alleviate pain caused by costochondritis, I firmly believe in its effectiveness. Since incorporating the tool into my treatment regimen, I have been pain-free from costochondritis since 2018. Within just one week of using the Backpod, I experienced a significant improvement in my symptoms, and I have not had a recurrence since. For those curious about my experience with costochondritis and the Backpod, check out the videos above to learn more.
I hope that you can find relief too.
If you would like to learn more about the story of my lupus diagnosis, visit my first blog post here.
