Experiencing the sudden onset of costochondritis can be a stressful ordeal. The sharp, stabbing pain that radiates from your chest wall can mimic symptoms of a heart attack, sending waves of anxiety through your mind. If you’ve been diagnosed with costochondritis, then you are likely looking to explore various therapeutic avenues. You might also be interested in noninvasive and drug-free treatment options to help with costochondritis. Here’s what you need to know about this health condition and finding a costochondritis chiropractor near you.
What Is Costochondritis?
Costochondritis is a condition caused by inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone. It typically causes chest and rib pain, often sharp and stabbing, which may worsen with certain movements or deep breathing. The exact cause of costochondritis is often unknown, but it can be triggered by physical strain, injury, or even respiratory infections. While the pain can be concerning, costochondritis usually resolves on its own with rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and warm compresses. However, if you experience severe or persistent chest pain, you may want to seek treatment from a costochondritis chiropractor for long-lasting relief.
Signs & Symptoms of Costochondritis
The signs and symptoms of costochondritis typically include:
- Chest pain: The most common symptom is pain and tenderness in the chest wall, specifically around the area where the ribs attach to the sternum. The pain is often sharp, stabbing, or aching.
- Pain with movement: Activities that involve movement of the chest wall, such as deep breathing, coughing, or physical exertion, can exacerbate the pain. Activities such as reaching, pushing, or pulling can also increase pain and discomfort.
- Radiating pain: Sometimes, the pain may radiate to the back or abdomen, mimicking symptoms of other conditions such as heart problems or gastrointestinal issues.
- Tenderness to touch: The affected area may feel tender when pressed or touched.
- Relief with rest: Resting and avoiding activities that worsen the pain may help temporarily alleviate symptoms.
How a Chiropractor Can Help with Costochondritis
Chiropractors utilize various techniques to help alleviate symptoms associated with costochondritis. Here are some techniques you might experience when you visit a costochondritis chiropractor:
Spinal Adjustments
Chiropractors are trained to perform spinal adjustments, also known as chiropractic adjustments. These manual techniques involve applying controlled force to the joints of the spine. The goal of these adjustments is to improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and restore proper alignment. While spinal adjustments primarily target spinal misalignments, they can also affect the surrounding musculoskeletal structures, including the rib cage and chest wall. By improving spinal function and alignment, chiropractors aim to reduce stress on the ribs and nearby soft tissues to help alleviate symptoms of costochondritis.
Soft Tissue Therapy
In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors may use various soft tissue techniques to address muscle tension and trigger points in the chest and surrounding areas. These techniques can include therapeutic massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy. By releasing tension and improving flexibility in the nearby muscles and connective tissues, soft tissue therapy may help reduce discomfort and improve the range of motion in individuals with costochondritis.
Postural Correction
Poor posture, such as slouching or rounding of the shoulders, can contribute to imbalances and increased strain on the chest wall and rib cage. Your Marietta chiropractor will assess your posture and biomechanics and provide guidance on modifications and corrective exercises to promote proper alignment and alleviate stress on the affected area. This may also include exercises to strengthen the muscles, supporting good posture, and stretching to counteract tightness in the chest and upper back.
Education and Lifestyle Advice
Costochondritis chiropractors also emphasize patient education and empowerment as part of their treatment approach. They may provide guidance on ergonomic principles, like proper lifting techniques, workstation setup, and sleeping positions, to minimize strain on your ribs and chest to promote healing. Additionally, your Marietta chiropractor may offer lifestyle recommendations, including exercise programs, stress management techniques, and dietary advice, to support overall health and well-being.
Chiropractic Care for Rib Pain and Beyond
Chiropractic care can help with a wide range of rib pain causes by addressing underlying musculoskeletal issues and promoting optimal spinal and joint function. Here’s how chiropractic care may benefit individuals experiencing rib pain from various causes, including costochondritis.
Thoracic Spine Mobility
The mid-back region is also known as the thoracic spine. Restricted mobility or stiffness in the thoracic spine can affect the movement of the ribs and chest wall, leading to pain and dysfunction. Chiropractors may use spinal mobilization techniques, therapeutic exercises, and stretching to improve thoracic spine mobility and restore normal movement patterns, which ultimately reduces discomfort associated with rib pain.
Joint Dysfunction
Dysfunction or inflammation of the joints between the ribs and the spine, known as costovertebral joints, or between the ribs and the sternum, can cause localized rib pain. Chiropractic adjustments can help mobilize these joints and improve their function, reducing pain and enhancing overall rib cage mobility.
Nerve Irritation
Irritation or compression of nerves in the spine, like the intercostal nerves that run between the ribs, can produce sharp or radiating rib pain. Chiropractic care aims to relieve nerve pressure by restoring proper spinal alignment and reducing inflammation, potentially alleviating nerve-related rib pain.
AICA Marietta for Costochondritis Chiropractic Care
Your journey to find lasting relief from costochondritis and rib pain can finally come to an end when you visit AICA Orthopedics in Marietta. Through diligent exploration of treatment options and the guidance of a multi-specialty team of healthcare providers, AICA Orthopedics is here to help. We offer comprehensive treatment and care for a wide range of health conditions, including rib pain, chest pain, back pain, and more. We are committed to providing personalized treatment plans for each person so you can experience long-lasting relief and return to your regular routines and activities. Take the first step today towards a life free from the pain and discomfort of costochondritis, let AICA Orthopedics in Marietta provide you with the quality care and treatment you need.