How to effectively manage costochondritis?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have experienced pain in my left chest area about twenty times in the last year. Visits to hospitals and doctors have ruled out heart problems, diagnosing it as costochondritis. What are the best-recommended ways to address this issue? The last episode occurred three days ago, and these episodes can last for several hours. I need relief from the upper left chest pain, which sometimes radiates to my face, arm, and neck.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Costochondritis originates in the front chest area where the ribs join the breastbone, called the sternum. It mimics heart pain. Physicians can help in several ways to achieve a complete recovery. Proper rest and avoiding activities that aggravate the pain are beneficial. This pain can last for varying amounts of time and usually resolves on its own. The main focus is on relieving pain and inflammation. Different medications are used for this condition, such as Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen.

If pain relief is insufficient, your physician may prescribe more potent painkillers, like a combination of Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen, which is very helpful for many patients. Sometimes, your physician may add more specific medications, such as Amitriptyline or Gabapentin, if deemed necessary. You may want to discuss these options with your local physician. Stretching exercises and techniques like TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) have proven beneficial for many patients, and these may be recommended to help relieve your pain.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.