Costochondritis

🫁 Understanding Costochondritis: Chest Wall Pain Explained

Costochondritis (kos-toe-kon-DRY-tis) is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects your ribs to your breastbone (sternum). The pain can feel sharp, achy, or pressure-like — often mimicking a heart attack or other cardiac issues.

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🔍 What Is Happening

This condition, also called chest wall pain or costosternal syndrome, causes tenderness around the ribs and chest. Sometimes swelling occurs — a related form known as Tietze syndrome.

You may feel:

• Sharp pain when taking a deep breath or moving

• Pain radiating to the side or back

• Difficulty sleeping due to discomfort

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⚡ Common Causes

While the exact cause isn’t always clear, costochondritis often appears after:

• Poor posture or rounded shoulders

• Emotional or physical stress

• Chest trauma or overuse (lifting, twisting, coughing)

In chiropractic terms, this is sometimes called a rib subluxation — when a rib joint becomes slightly misaligned or inflamed.

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💆‍♂️ Treatment and Relief

At Uptown Wellness Center in Whittier, we treat rib and chest wall pain through gentle chiropractic adjustments of the rib and spine to reduce inflammation and restore alignment.
Most patients notice immediate improvement, with full relief in 1–2 days.

If you can’t visit a chiropractor right away:

• Apply ice to the area for 10–15 minutes several times a day.

• Try gentle stretches, like Child’s Pose, holding for 10–30 seconds.

• Use over-the-counter pain relief (e.g., ibuprofen or Advil) as needed.

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🌿 Takeaway

Costochondritis can be painful but is highly treatable. Rest, proper posture, and targeted chiropractic care can help your body recover quickly and safely.