Costochondritis might sound like a complicated medical term, but if you’ve ever experienced sharp chest pain and worried that it could be something more serious, this condition might be what’s causing your discomfort. Thankfully, this condition is typically not as alarming as it seems, and there are effective ways to manage it, including chiropractic care. Let’s explore what costochondritis is, its symptoms, how it’s diagnosed and treated, and how a costochondritis chiropractor can help you get back to feeling your best.
What Is Costochondritis?
Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects your ribs to your sternum, also known as the breastbone. If this area becomes inflamed, it can cause chest pain that can be quite sharp and alarming. The pain might seem like what you’d expect of a heart attack, which understandably causes concern for those experiencing it! However, costochondritis is typically harmless and is often linked to injury, strain, or arthritis.
Signs and Symptoms of Costochondritis
The key symptom of costochondritis is chest pain, especially where the ribs meet the breastbone. The intensity of costochondritis pain can vary, though in some cases, it may spread to your back or abdomen, which can make this experience all the more confusing and concerning.
Here are some common signs and symptoms of costochondritis:
- Sharp chest pain: The pain may feel like stabbing or aching and often occurs in one area of the chest.
- Pain when pressing on the chest: If you press on the rib joints where they meet the breastbone, the pain may get worse.
- Worsened pain with movement: Activities that involve upper body movement, like lifting, twisting, or even breathing deeply, can make the pain worse.
- Pain on one side: While costochondritis pain can occur on both sides of the chest, it’s more commonly felt on one side.
Diagnosing Costochondritis
Because the symptoms of costochondritis can mimic those of more serious health conditions like a heart attack, it’s crucial to get a proper diagnosis. Here’s how healthcare professionals typically go about diagnosing this condition:
- Medical History: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, any recent injuries, or physical activities that may have led to the pain.
- Physical Examination: Your doctor will press on your sternum and chest to check for tenderness and pain.
- Rule Out Other Conditions: To make sure that your pain isn’t related to heart issues, your doctor may order tests like an electrocardiogram, a chest X-ray, or blood tests to rule out other causes.
- Once other conditions have been excluded, and they confirm your symptoms align with costochondritis, your doctor can confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment Options for Costochondritis
Treating costochondritis will often provide pain relief while also addressing the underlying cause. Here are some common treatments your College Park doctor may recommend for costochondritis:
- Rest: Avoiding activities that strain the upper body and chest area while you recover.
- Pain Relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the area.
- Heat or Ice Packs: Applying heat or ice to your breastbone and chest area can help soothe the pain.
- Physical Therapy: Gentle stretching and exercises can help improve mobility and reduce stiffness, which helps reduce your pain from costochondritis.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Costochondritis
If you’re wondering, can a chiropractor help costochondritis? The answer is often yes! Chiropractic care can be an excellent option for managing costochondritis because it impacts the musculoskeletal system, including the ribs, spine, and surrounding muscles. Here’s how a chiropractor can help:
Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractors are skilled in adjusting the spine and joints, which can help alleviate the pressure on areas where you’re experiencing pain and discomfort. Realigning the spine and improving your posture can help reduce the strain on your chest area and help ease any inflammation in the area.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Chiropractors often use soft tissue techniques like therapeutic massage, stretching, and myofascial release to relax the muscles around the ribs and chest. This can help reduce muscle tension and improve circulation to the inflamed area.
Rehabilitation Exercises
Chiropractors can also guide you through specific stretches and exercises that strengthen the muscles around your chest and back. These can help improve your posture and reduce the risk of costochondritis from developing again.
Lifestyle and Ergonomic Advice
Your chiropractor might also recommend changes in your daily activities or ergonomic setup in the workplace to prevent further strain on your chest. Simple adjustments like improving your posture while at work or updating your workout routine can make a big difference.
But you might still wonder, can chiropractors make costochondritis worse? It’s a valid concern, but with a qualified and experienced chiropractor, the risk is minimal. Chiropractors are trained in how to treat the whole body with noninvasive means and will use techniques that are safe and appropriate for your condition. If you have any concerns, you can always talk to your chiropractor so they can make sure your treatment matches your comfort level.
When to Seek Chiropractic Care for Costochondritis
If you’ve been diagnosed with costochondritis and are struggling with pain that doesn’t seem to get better with rest and over-the-counter medications, it might be time to consider chiropractic care. Seeing a costochondritis chiropractor could provide the relief you’re looking for by addressing the root cause of the inflammation and pain.
Plus, if your pain is chronic or keeps coming back, chiropractic care might be beneficial in preventing future flare-ups by improving your overall posture and musculoskeletal health. If you are still asking yourself, “Can a chiropractor help with costochondritis?” or even wondering, “Can a chiropractor make costochondritis worse?” know that chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment option for many people.
Visit AICA Orthopedics for Costochondritis Chiropractors
Costochondritis can be a painful and frustrating condition, but it doesn’t have to take over your life. With the right combination of rest, at-home care, and professional treatment, including chiropractic care, you can manage your symptoms and get back to enjoying life. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been struggling with costochondritis for a while, seeking help from a costochondritis chiropractor might be the next best step in your journey to recovery. At AICA Orthopedics, our team of chiropractors works alongside a wide range of specialists who can assess your condition and provide a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Visit us to learn more about how our College Park chiropractors can help you find lasting relief!