More than the pain the reason of my concern was the condition which isn't much known even in the medical world.
A not so recent visit to my Gynaecologist made me familiar to a condition called "Costochondritis," an inflammation in the joints between the cartilage that joins the sternum (breastbone) and the ribs, causing tenderness to the ribs.
So how do one identify that he/she is suffering from costochondritis?
A condition that can last for few weeks or months and keeps coming and going all by itself.
Generally it is believed that costochondritis affects young people of any age group however females are more prone to it than men.
But after I have experienced it, I think it will be incorrect to say that only young adults suffer from costochondritis.
So how do one identify that he/she is suffering from costochondritis?
Know The Signs and Symptoms
It is very difficult to identify the symptoms of costochondritis. In my case, I ignored my condition thinking to be some temporary pain in the left side of my chest.
It was only after the pain started increasing I felt the need to visit the expert.
The symptoms which are considered to be of costochondritis includes:
- Pain on the left side of the breastbone.
- Tenderness of your ribs (if pressed can cause severe pain, this has happened to me).
- One experiences a sharp, pressure-like and aching pain.
- It might worsen if you are coughing or breathing deeply.
- Movement and some kind of physical activities can aggravate the pain.
- Severe chest pain when lying on bed.
- Lower and upper back pain.
- Neck pain.
For me as a freelance writer, the very thought of putting my work to a halt as per the expert's advise was something I could never do.
Hence I have been extra careful about the movement of my left arm.
Therefore, whenever you experience pain in your chest please seek expert attention in order to rule-out any life threatening ailment.
What Can Cause Costochondritis?
It is very difficult to figure out the causes of costochondritis. The pain comes suddenly and goes by itself.
So bit scary, except that I am taking precaution of my own self to reduce the pain.
Since little is known about this condition I did a bit of my research on its causes after it was confirmed. It is almost seven to eight months that I have been suffering from costochondritis.
The above mentioned symptoms are being experienced by me. The probabilities for this condition can be any of the following:
- Heavy lifting
- A chest surgery or repeated trauma to the chest
- Stress
- Wearing a bra
- Heavy exercise
- A viral chest infection
Several MRIs and X-ray and visits to an expert had gotten me the confirmation.
However that didn't deter me from seeking alternative ways to deal with my condition of costochondritis.
Positive Approach To Ease Costochondritis Pain
After getting the final node, my next thought was how to get rid of it. Medically there isn't any cure for it except to pop up few pain killers to ease the pain or follow some light exercises advised by a health expert.
AS such the most crucial part of my healing process was to follow the experts golden word, "Rest your left arm as much as you can."
Other than that the following were some alternate remedies recommended to me:
- Pain killer in case of severe pain.
- Hot water bath.
- Warm compress when experiencing pain.
- Gentle stretches.
- Maintaining a good posture.
- Walking.
- Application of pain relief cream (I am using a herbal one, with Arnica).
Remember without self-care you cannot follow a normal and healthy lifestyle. Having a positive approach towards the healing process is vital for dealing with any ailment.
Apart from that maintain a healthy lifestyle, follow the experts advices. These are the only way to dealing with costochondritis.
Have you or any loved one of yours ever experienced the pain of costochondritis? Why not share some pain management tips with everyone here.
Image Courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image Courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net