What is Costochondritis?

Costochondritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum (breastbone). This inflammation can cause sharp chest pain, which may be mistaken for a heart attack or other heart-related conditions. The pain from costochondritis typically affects the upper ribs.

Although the exact cause of costochondritis is often unclear, it is usually self-limiting, meaning it often resolves on its own without significant intervention. However, treatment is available to manage symptoms and alleviate discomfort.

References:

Zwiren, G. T., et al. (2019). "Costochondritis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment." The Journal of Family Practice, 68(4), 213-218.

What Causes Costochondritis?

The exact cause of costochondritis is not always known, but several factors may contribute to the condition, including:

1. Physical Trauma: A blow to the chest or injury from heavy lifting or intense physical activity.

2. Repetitive Strain: Repeated movement or overuse of the chest muscles, often seen in athletes or individuals who engage in strenuous physical activities.

3. Infections: Viral or bacterial infections that affect the chest area can lead to inflammation of the costal cartilage.

4. Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the joints around the ribs and sternum.

5. Post-Surgical Trauma: Pain and inflammation after chest or upper abdominal surgery.

References:

Sattar, S. B., & Goyal, A. (2022). "Costochondritis." StatPearls [Internet].

Typical Treatment Plan for Costochondritis

Conservative treatment for costochondritis typically involves conservative methods aimed at reducing pain and inflammation. A personalised treatment plan may include:

1. Exercise Therapy: Strengthening the muscles of the chest, back, and core can help stabilise the rib cage and reduce the likelihood of recurrent pain.

2. Education and Lifestyle Modifications: Learning proper body mechanics and avoiding activities that strain the chest can help prevent future flare-ups.

3. Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that trigger or worsen the pain, such as heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.

4. Chiropractic Care: Spinal adjustments and manual therapy can relieve pressure on the ribcage and improve overall spinal movement.

5. Heat or Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area can provide temporary pain relief.

References:

Sayeed, Y., & Brignardello-Petersen, R. (2020). "Chiropractic Management of Costochondritis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature." Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 19(2), 100-105.

Miramontes-González, J. P., et al. (2021). "Non-Pharmacological Treatment of Costochondritis: Current Concepts and Clinical Practice." Pain Research and Management, 2021, 1-8.

Best Exercises for Costochondritis Pain Relief

Tailored exercises can play a crucial role in relieving costochondritis pain and preventing recurrence. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any exercise program. Some effective exercises may include:

1. Pectoral Stretches: Gentle stretches that target the chest muscles to relieve tension and improve flexibility.

2. Shoulder Blade Squeezes: Strengthening the muscles between the shoulder blades to improve posture and reduce strain on the chest.

3. Upper Back Stretches: Stretching the upper back muscles to alleviate tension in the chest area.

4. Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing techniques to reduce stress and improve lung function, which can help ease chest discomfort.

References:

Gunawardena, S., & Rodrigo, R. (2020). "Exercise-Based Rehabilitation for Costochondritis: A Systematic Review." Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 57(3), 533-544.

Assessment and Treatment of Costochondritis

Proper assessment of costochondritis involves reviewing your medical history and conducting a physical examination. The diagnosis is often made based on the presence of tenderness at specific points along the chest where the ribs meet the sternum.

In some cases, additional diagnostic tests like X-rays or MRI scans may be recommended to rule out other conditions that could cause chest pain, such as cardiac issues or fractures.

The goal of treatment is to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and address any underlying factors that may be contributing to the condition. A comprehensive approach can provide long-term relief and prevent future episodes of costochondritis.

References:

Haran, R. P., et al. (2019). "Comprehensive Assessment and Management of Costochondritis in Primary Care." British Journal of General Practice, 69(684), e672-e678.

How Can We Help Your Costochondritis?

At our clinic, we offer a range of services tailored to help you find relief from costochondritis pain. Our treatment approach includes:

• Chiropractic Care: Targeted adjustments to alleviate pain and improve rib and spinal movement.

• Exercise Therapy: Customised exercises designed to strengthen supporting muscles and improve posture.

• Myofascial Therapy: Techniques to reduce muscle tension and inflammation around the chest.

• Patient Education: Guidance on lifestyle changes and activities to avoid that may aggravate your condition.

What If We Cannot Help Your Costochondritis?

While we strive to deliver the best possible care, we understand that some cases may require additional intervention. If your condition does not improve as expected or if we believe another approach might be more appropriate, we can:

• Refer You to Your GP: We will coordinate with your General Practitioner for further medical evaluation.

• Recommend Diagnostic Imaging: If needed, we may suggest diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or MRI scans, to get a clearer understanding of your condition.

• Refer You to a Specialist: In complex cases, we will refer you to a trusted specialist to ensure you receive the most effective treatment.

Our commitment is to your health and well-being, and we will guide you every step of the way to ensure you receive the care that’s right for you.