How can I relieve costochondritis?

They include:

  1. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs pain relievers. Ask your doctor about using ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, others).
  2. Heat or ice. Try placing hot compresses or a heating pad on the painful area several times a day.
  3. Rest.

What does a costochondritis flare feel like?

The most noticeable symptom, chest pain, can be moderate to severe and may develop into a sharp, stabbing sensation. You feel this pain to the left of your sternum, and you might also feel a lot of pressure. In some cases, the pain may spread toward your shoulder and upper back.

Where do you feel costochondritis pain?

Costochondritis most commonly affects the upper ribs on the left-hand side of your body. Pain is often worst where the rib cartilage attaches to the breastbone (sternum), but it can also occur where the cartilage attaches to the rib.

Can anxiety cause costochondritis?

Stress and Anxiety Although there is no confirmed link between anxiety or stress and costochondritis, these emotional states may be to blame for other underlying causes of chest pain. People who have panic disorder often report shortness of breath and chest pain as symptoms.

Does costochondritis ease when lying down?

The pain typically diminishes after a few weeks or months, but the swelling may persist. The pain from costochondritis may be most noticeable when an individual is lying in bed at night. It is important to find a suitable lying position in order to reduce the degree of discomfort.

How should I sleep with costochondritis?

Other than taking medications for pain and inflammation, what I find helps is not to sleep on the side affected, and try not to sleep on back or stomach. When sleeping on other side prop up your ribs with a pillow this will give them support throughout the night.

What causes inflammation of the ribs?

Two conditions can cause cartilage inflammation in your ribs: costochondritis and Tietze’s syndrome. Both are brought on by repeated physical strain, such as persistent coughing or vomiting. However, costochondritis can also result from a chest infection, including after chest or heart surgery.

What causes pain in the upper sternum?

Lung related or respiratory disorders can cause pain in sternum, which include asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and bronchitis. Infections like tuberculosis and pneumonia or inflammation of structures behind the sternum like tracheitis can cause sternal pain.

What is a popped rib?

An out of place rib is sometimes referred to as a rib misalignment, jamming a rib, popping a rib, or subluxated rib. Sometimes, you may hear doctors talking about a slipped rib or dislocated rib when a person has agonizing rib pain.