Living And Dealing With Costochondritis

Dealing with pain from an inflammation is something which I have been experiencing for the very first time. 

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.

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

6 Best Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps

Time for that day of the month. Are you scared at the very thought of those painful, throbbing menstrual cramps that causes stress and anxiety and affects your work and daily activities?
Though conventional medicine has a range of pain relieving medications yet some of them can affect your health and lead to various complicated health ailments.
So instead of popping up some painkiller why not try these home remedies meant to reduce your menstrual cramps with ingredients already available in your kitchen cabinet and kitchen garden.
1.Fennel Seed Tea. The anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties of fennel seed is believed to ease the muscles around the uterus, which relieves menstrual cramps and discomfort.

Ingredients:
1 tsp of fennel seeds
1 cup water
1 tsp honey
Method:
Add the fennel seeds to a cup of boiling water. Boil on a low flame for 5 minutes. Remove and strain it. Add honey and mix well. Drink the tea twice a day continuously for 3 days prior to your first day of menstrual cycle. Drink as required to ease the pain. For best result drink it hot.

2. Chamomile Tea. Drinking a cup of chamomile tea mixed with a few tsp of honey or lemon juice also help ease menstrual cramps and discomfort.The anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile tea helps ease uterus muscles and contractions causing menstrual cramps.

Ingredients:
1 cup water
1 chamomile tea bag
Honey or lemon
Method:
To a cup of hot boiled water, put the tea bag. Now cover and allow it to stand for around 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the tea bag and squeeze it out. Add lemon juice or honey as desired. 2 cups of this herbal tea a day for a week before your menstrual cycle will help you cope with the menstrual cramps.

3. Ginger, Lemon, Honey Tea. Ginger is an excellent herb to deal with painful menstrual cramps. When combined and had with lemon and honey, makes an excellent pain reliever.

Ingredients:
A small piece of ginger
1 cup of water
Lemon
Honey
Method:
Grate the ginger and boil it in water for about 5 minutes. Strain the tea. Add a little lemon juice and honey to it as desired. Drink this herbal tea thrice daily when you are having your cycle to reduce your menstrual cramps.
You can also savour some ginger candies instead of this herbal tea if you aren't fond of herbal tea.

4. Aloe Vera, Honey Juice. Aloe vera juice combined with honey is also considered one of the best natural cure for menstrual cramps. Fresh aloe vera juice helps reduce the intensity of cramps and pain. It is considered as a natural source of vitamins and minerals, it increases blood supply. 

Ingredients:
4 oz. (8 tbsp) fresh aloe vera juice
1 tbsp honey
4 oz (1/2 cup) of water
Method:
Mix the aloe vera juice, honey and water properly to make an ounce glass of juice. Drink this juice 2 times a day once in the morning and once in the evening.

5. Indian Holy Basil (Tulsi) Tea. The Indian holy basil or tulsi is another effective herb for easing menstrual cramps and pain. Caffeic acid present in basil has analgesic (pain killing) properties.

Ingredients:
1 tbsp basil leaves
1 cup of water
Method:
To a cup of boiling water add a tbsp of basil leaves. Cover and allow to cool it. Drink this tea every few hours to ease menstrual cramps.
Or crush a handful of fresh basil leaves and extract the juice. To a cup of warm water add 2 tsp of this juice. Consume 3 times a day when you experience menstrual cramps. Or else you can simply chew some fresh leaves to ease your menstrual cramps.

6. Cinnamon Tea. Another wonder herb easily in stock in your kitchen cabinet is cinnamon. Cinnamon is known for its anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus considered among the best home remedies to cure menstrual cramps.

Ingredients:
1/4th tsp of cinnamon powder
1 cup of water
Honey
Method:
Take 1/4th tsp of cinnamon powder and mix it in a cup of hot water. Let it sit. Mix some honey and sip the tea slowly. Drink 2-3 cups of this herbal tea a day or two before your period date.
You can even have a combination of a part of 1/2 tsp of cinnamon powder mixed with a tbsp of honey mixed in a glass of warm water. Drinking this thrice on the very first day of your period can help reduce menstrual cramps.

Apart from these home remedies rest as much as you can. Light exercises, hot compress on your lower abdomen and meditation can help you deal with stress caused by menstrual cramps. How do you cure your menstrual cramps? If you know more home remedies for menstrual cramps, don't hesitate to share those much needed information. Until the next post. Stay fit! Keep well!