Chest pain can be serious, but not all chest pains are related to heart issues. One such type of chest pain is costochondritis, which occurs in the upper ribs on the left side of the chest.
It is essential to understand where the costochondritis pain occurs so that appropriate treatment, remedies, and precautions can be taken accordingly.
Whether you want to know the exact location and cause of costochondritis pain or you want to have an insight into its symptoms and treatment options. This guide is the ultimate solution.
Let’s dive deep and learn about the costochondritis pain locations, along with its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Here is a short table on the key features of Costochondritis Pain.
| Key Features | Costochondritis Pain |
| Area of pain | Sharp pain on the 4th-6th ribs on either the left or right side. |
| Duration | It could last for hours or days. |
| Common Signs | Tenderness of the joint, discomfort, pain while coughing, and localized soreness. |
| What Happens? | Mild discomfort. |
| Cure | Rest, anti-inflammatory medicines, and exercises. |
Exploring Costochondritis Pain Locations
Costochondritis pain is caused due to inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the sternum, known as the breastbone.
This pain usually occurs on the upper side of the left or right ribs, generally on the 4th, 5th, and 6th ribs, where the ribs meet the sternum. Since it occurs beside the breastbone, patients often confuse it with heart pain.
Costochondritis pain location usually occurs on the costosternal junction, most often on the left side of the chest. It radiates to the backbone and causes severe pain while coughing, touching, and deep breathing.
Accurate diagnostic tests or Digital X-rays help in identifying the exact location of costochondritis pain so that accurate treatment can be initiated instantly.
Common Signs of Costochondritis Pain
Costochondritis pain starts with a mild discomfort and could lead to chronic pain if not treated. Consequences of untreated costochondritis pain can be worse, thus, it is vital to get it treated after experiencing the initial signs:
Signs of Costochondritis Pain
- Severe chest pain near 4th, 5th and 6th ribs
- Sharp pain during breathing or coughing
- Discomfort in the chest
- Pain that is reduced with anti-inflammatory medications
- Consequences Of Untreated Costochondritis
- Chronic chest pain for months and years.
- Inflammation and musculoskeletal sensitivity increase
- Problems in physical activity
- Limited mobility in the chest and upper body
Chest pain should not be ignored–get a thorough lab examination and effective recovery plan from our board-certified healthcare professionals at Mesquite ER.
Common Causes of Costochondritis Pain
Costochondritis pain is caused due inflammation in the chest wall. This inflammation occurs due to a variety of reasons.
Here are the top causes of costochondritis pain:
- Past physical injury to the chest
- Heavy lifting is common among athletes
- Infection in the respiratory system
- Musculoskeletal stress
Pediatric Costochondritis Care
Costochondritis pain in children should also be taken seriously, as it might raise the chances of heart-related issues. At Mesquite ER, we offer effective pediatric care in a compassionate environment to help them recover soon.
If your child is suffering from chest pain or faces difficulty while breathing, it is important to seek medical advice.
Treatment Options for Costochondritis Pain
Since the Costochondritis pain location is mainly on the chest due to the inflammation, it is important to get proper treatment of costochondritis pain through medications or therapy so that its future serious consequences, leading to heart-related issues, can be avoided.
Treatment of Costochondritis Pain
- Anti-inflammatory medications and drugs
- Physical therapy
- Rest and changes in lifestyle
- Corticosteroid injections
- Medications based on CT scan results
Fact: Minimising the intake of refined sugar and processed meat aids in decreasing inflammatory levels. At Mesquite ER, we offer walk-in chest pain treatment. Get an appointment today for expert medical care.
Healing Lifestyle Guide For Costochondritis Pain Locations
By making lifestyle changes, you can control costochondritis pain and improve your heart health. Small changes in daily routine activities help in speedy recovery and minimize the chances of having serious health issues.
Costochondritis Pain Prevention
- Have an anti-inflammatory diet
- Cut down on refined sugar and processed meat.
- Manage Mental Health
- Get a medical check-up after a physical accident
- Do not stress and perform yoga or meditation.
- Maintain good posture
- Stay hydrated daily
Exercises to Prevent Costochondritis Pain
Doorway Stretch
- Put your hands on the frame of a doorway and stand.
- Stretch the pectoralis muscles by leaning on the hands.
- Hold this position for 20-30 seconds and try to repeat it 2-3 times daily.
Shoulder Blade Squeeze
- Squeeze your shoulder blades firmly while standing or sitting.
- Relax and repeat it after holding for 5 seconds.
Thoracic Spine Mobility
- Sit straight in a chair and clasp your hands behind your head.
- Arch your upper back.
- Repeat this exercise 10-30 times to improve neural spine mobility.
- This exercise helps reduce stress and strain on the costochondral junction.
Why Learning About Costochondritis Pain Is Important?
It is essential to recognize whether your chest pain is costochondritis pain or heart pain. As one might be cured by rest and anti-inflammatory medications, others might require urgent emergency care.
Knowing the real cause of costochondritis pain and its early signs can help in timely intervention and effective treatment. Moreover, it also helps in maintaining a good posture, healthy mobility and avoids strains on the chest walls.
Knowing the real cause of your pain is the first step to curing it. By following a healthy diet and routine, the chances of costochondritis pain can be prevented.
Need clarity? Visit Mesquite ER now, and get instant medical attention from our board-certified health professionals.
FAQs
1. Does costochondritis pain hurt your heart?
Costochondritis pain causes a sharp pain in the ribs due to inflammation in the costochondral joints, but it does not hurt your heart or cause a heart attack.
2. How do we differentiate between costochondritis pain and heart pain?
Costochondritis pain locations occur on the left or right of the 4th, 5th, or 6th upper ribs, whereas heart pain is caused on the central side of the heart.
3. Where does it hurt in costochondritis pain?
It hurts on the left side of the breastbone and causes discomfort in the chest.
4. How to get instant relief from costochondritis pain?
By taking anti-inflammatory medicines or taking proper rest.
5. What are the early signs of a heart attack?
Early signs of a heart attack are:
- Chest pain and pressure
- Difficulty in breathing
Nausea and cold sweats
