costochondritis

I battle this from time to time. It started when I was in my 20's. It is very painful. It is inflammation in the breast bone. You are sore in your breastbone and it hurts much. The doctor did no x-rays of me either. My mom had it and it tends to be hereditary.

I was told to take Advil (I can no longer take Advil) for it and rest.

I had a dear friend who thought it was her heart. She had just taken up swimming in her late 70's and low and behold the swimming brought on the Costochondritis.

Praying for relief for you. Blessings.

I had a flare after COVID and all that coughing with pnemonia & bronchitis set it off. It takes a while for it to calm down.

I have also had costochondritis a few times and it is certainly painful. You seem to be having a prolonged case, and because of that I would suggest asking your rheumatologist to check you for any possible related inflammatory conditions, especially if you have chronic back pain or frequent joint pains. A few simple blood tests can be done to check inflammatory markers and anything else that might be related. Ultrasound is not usually done as a diagnostic test, especially since you had a CT scan. Anti inflammatory medication, heat and avoidance of aggravating activities like weight lifting usually help. Some physical therapists use ultrasound for treatment and you might explore that option. I would also try diclofenac gel rubbed over the area twice daily. It’s over the counter and works well when the inflamed joints are small and close to the surface. I hope you get relief and it goes away for good.

Thank you for your response:) went to rheumatologist - no problems there; don't really have joint pains, mainly tightness in the chest area and shortness of breath. Will try the gel on the chest - thanks for the info

You might try a chiropractor. Because the rib attaches to the vertebra, any positional change in the vertebra, usually a slightly forward dislocation of the vertebra can change the glide of the rib joint.

Thank you. 🙂 I think I will go for an eval. with a DC...this chest issue started with a rip down my left shoulder blade and severe movement in back muscles while working out.

No one told me after bypass surgery that costochondritis can happen often. It is horrible. I thought I was having a heart attack. Told how to use nitro to determine if it's heart or costco. It's costo. It take so long to heal doesn't it? I use a heating pad A LOT which helps, that & be careful how I move torso. I wish you strong determination. You can do this.

Geez talk about "take two aspirin and call me in the morning" advice...... I'm 70 and have never heard of this condition. I'm sorry for you and all the other posters who have suffered with this condition. And the Dr did no X-rays? I'd find another Dr.

Thanks to all for posting about this. And I hope all of you get well, and quickly.

May I ask how long it took you to heal? I’ve been dealing with costochondritis about 3 months now.

How long do your flare-ups usually last? Mine has been going on about three months now. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Everyone is different. My first one took about two months. It varies now. Never know what will set it off. A cough, sneeze, twisting torso instead of pivoting whole body... it's a learning process. Hope you are healing well. Don't rush for anyone. There's only one you.