Costocondritis

[TheWorstWeek]

I had costocondritis two winters ago for 6 weeks then it went away and I didn't have it again until this week and it's horrible. It's started the same way as last time with the exact same tightening/strange feeling in my chest, almost like a panic attack and then a fairly constant dull ache or sharp pain if i press near my sternum. I don't know what has caused it as I haven't had a cough or done anything strenuous. Last time I wondered if it had something to do with the COVID booster as I'd literally had that 4 days before it started. I am wondering if it's maybe the cold weather or something that's made it flare up. And I am 99.99% sure its costocondritis as it is exactly the same as last time but it's still spiking my anxiety which is giving me even more tightness in my chest.

Anyway, I can't bare 6 weeks of pain and anxiety so other than painkillers, rest and hot water bottles on my chest, does anyone have any suggestions on how to get this flare up to go away quickly?

Mine is just always there now but only if I press my sternum.

having previously had this I do think you should go back to your GP and request further tests.

Tests for what? It's exactly as it was last time.

If there is still infection in your lung. I had ongoing pneumonia that hadn’t been treated successfully.

After two years? I've not had any real colds etc. since last winter.

MrsPJ is suggesting to see your GP. Surely the sensible thing to do under the circumstances?

Hi I also have been diagnosed with costocondritis by my GP. But this started in May 2023 and I have tried everything to try to help it or get it to go away but have had no success. I’ve been on naproxen regularly with paracetamol, now I’m living on ibuprofen 400mg and paracetamol. I also doing various physio stretches which a physio from my GP surgery told me to do. I’m using various rubs and heat therapy. This has been going on now for exactly 14 months and it’s doing my head in. Last night I decided to try cold therapy so currently in bed with a cold pack on my ribs. I’m considering buying a rib support now to see if I have any success. Has anyone else has this condition for this length of time who may can make suggestions to help it. I’m also waiting on a steroid injection and praying it will help. But any further advice, tips or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. TIA

It could be Tietze syndrome rather than costocondritis. They are very similar. I had Tietze diagnosed by a chiropractor and she gently manipulated my ribs back into place and I'm not had it since.

And to respond to a question above, I had had this for years. Ever since I was a child I felt like my bottom two ribs folded underneath themselves, like my rib cage is too big for my abdomen. It was only when I started a wfh office job and my posture was affected by desk work, my whole rib cage was inflamed, the chiro said I had so much inflammation she could see it through my clothes. It's a chronic recurring condition in some people. I believe costocondritis is inflammation of the muscles whereas Tietze syndrome is inflammation of something else and it affects the breast bone usually but can spread or affect other areas.

Thanks for your reply’s and advice. I’m definitely going to get booked in with an osteopath or chiropractor to see if they can help. Just going on too long now to continue living in pain. I was watching videos there someone posted of a physio from Australia and appears it’s all connected to the thoracic spine, which explains a lot. He recommended an osteopath/chiropractor too which should be able to loosen/unlock hinges and muscles in the thoracic spine. I’ll give anything a go at this stage. He also demonstrated various stretches and massage techniques which look good. Thanks again for your advice.

I've had this several times and it's awful. I have found trying to follow an anti inflammatory diet (Google foods to eat and avoid) really helps. Alcohol and stress makes it much worse.