Costochondritis, also known as Tietze syndrome, is a very common reason why people seek medical attention. This condition impacts the body’s ribs.
Because of the area of the body, several people think they need medication or even that surgery is required to treat this condition. However, a chiropractor can help overcome the symptoms and minimize the complications.
What Is Costochondritis?
Our ribs are designated to protect the esophagus, lungs, heart and trachea from any kind of harm and problem. They are allowed to expand and contract during the breathing cycle, operating on hinges, that are the cartilages that surround the bones.
If one of these hinges doesn’t work as it should, or if there is any inflammation in the area, you may develop this condition called Costochondritis. It’ll lead to pain, discomfort and swelling in that area.
It can happen in children, adolescents and adults. But it can be more common in elderly people.
The causes of Costochondritis
It can happen in many ways, and it is not the same for every patient. But the possible causes are:
- Overuse of the arm by lifting or exercising;
- Trauma to the chest, such as accidents, sports or a fall;
- Arthritis;
- Stiffness in the upper back;
- Some respiratory infections;
- Coughing or sneezing;
- Pregnancy.
But all of them lead to two things: it’ll happen when you put stress on your ribs and by inflammation on the cartilages.
The most common symptoms of costochondritis
They are very similar to other health problems, that’s way it can be very challenging to identify costochondritis. The pain will be unique in each case and range from mild to more severe. But the symptoms include:
- Pain that gets worse when coughing or sneezing;
- Chest pain;
- Pain in the back or abdomen radiating from the chest;
- Shooting pain in the limbs.
The pain is usually described as sharp or jabbing pain. It can also happen to be red or swollen in the area of one or more ribs.
It’s very important to say if you experience severe chest pain, you should seek medical attention immediately, to rule out any other condition before you think of costochondritis.
The symptoms of costochondritis can go away on its own, but some people have trouble managing the pain and discomfort. If you’re the last group, you should also seek medical care to understand and treat the condition to help your body heal.
A Chiropractor can help the treatment of this condition. And we will explain to you how.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help with Costochondritis?
Choosing chiropractors to help you treat Costochondritis is a really great choice. They’ll use some specific techniques and adjustments to the ribs and thoracic spine – the region of your spine attached to your ribs – to relieve the pain and discomfort.
Chiropractors also will use manual examination to determine which ribs are swollen or misaligned leading to pain. Then they’ll adjust the rib to get it back to place. This will certainly help decrease the swelling around joints and increase mobility.
Other exercises, such rehabilitative exercises will help your recovery by decreasing inflammation and tension in the area. Some exercises that your chiropractor may suggest includes stretching and yoga.
Another thing that may help with your recovery plan is having an anti-inflammatory diet, to relieve the soreness and aching, leading to so much less pain.
But you should seek chiropractic care to determine which treatment plan option is recommended for you. With chiropractic you can address the root of the problem, not only treat the symptoms.
If you or someone you know are suffering from pain and discomfort, book an appointment online here at BCW and we will gladly help you get your healthy life back!
