Costochondritis

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Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that attaches the ribs to the breastbone. Hot and cold does wonders for inflamation and pain.~*Cindi*~ {Epona-Bri} <CindiWafstet wrote:

I have reoccurring Costochondritis, which is chest wall pain. I've hadthis off and on for 15 years, and I'm having a flare up now. The doctoronly tells me to relax and take aspirin.Are there an herbal or alternative therapies that might help thiscondition?CindiFederal Law requires that we warn you of the following: 1. Natural methods can sometimes backfire. 2. If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using any natural remedy. 3. The Constitution guarantees you the right to be your own physician and toprescribe for your own health. We are not medical doctors although MDs are welcome to post here as long as they behave themselves. Any opinions put forth by the list members are exactly that, and any person following the advice of anyone posting here does so at their own risk. It is up to you to educate yourself. By accepting advice or products from list members, you are agreeing to be fully responsible for your own health, and hold the List Owner and members free of any liability. Dr. Ian ShillingtonDoctor of NaturopathyDr.IanShillington

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And add some BF & C... (Bone, Flesh & Cartlidge)doodle bug <doodlebugboodles wrote:

 

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that attaches the ribs to the breastbone. Hot and cold does wonders for inflamation and pain.~*Cindi*~ {Epona-Bri} <CindiWafstet wrote: I have reoccurring Costochondritis, which is chest wall pain.

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Good Morning!

 

Costochondritis

 

Costochondritis is an inflammation in the cartilages where the ribs

join the breastbone. Since we have to take breaths in and out of our

lungs, there cannot be a direct rigid attachment of the ribs to the

breastbone.

 

Instead, the ribs join the breastbone (known medically as the

sternum) through flexible cartilages known as costal cartilages. But

just like any cartilage, these costal cartilages in the chest wall

can get inflamed. This is costochondritis, which literally means

inflammation of the cartilage.

 

The key symptom is pain-not in the center portion of the chest under

the breastbone, which is more typical of heart related pain-but

rather pain along the edges of the breastbone. Many patients, and

even doctors, can occasionally be thrown off as the pain can radiate

into the arms, shoulders, or across the entire chest.

 

Another tip-off that this is cartilage inflammation rather than a

more serious heart ailment is the fact that the pain increases with

twisting movements of the upper body-reaching for something

(especially overhead), taking in a very deep breath, coughing, or

sneezing.

 

The physical examination performed by a doctor shows tenderness over

the anterior chest wall area along the breastbone where the rib joins

the sternum. There may be some degree of redness over the skin and

the pain is more often than not on the left side of the chest area.

 

The ailment usually disappears as mysteriously as it came on, but

often a low dose of Naprosyn or another over-the-counter, anti-

inflammatory will stop the pain, along with warm, moist heat. Rare

cases, such as an infection into the cartilage, require more

aggressive measures, but this is unusual.

 

Stress contributes to the pain because it makes the muscles tense.

Other things which hurt are lifting, pushing, pulling, sneezing,

coughing, long hours of driving or using the computer, repetitive

motions and caffeine. Cold, rainy and humid weather also make a lot

of sufferers feel worse.

 

Stress causes the nerves to be more stimulated and tightens the

muscles, both of which trigger our pain. That pain increases quite a

bit in stressful situation versus non stress times. With stress our

bodies go into their fight or flight reaction due to the sympathetic

nervous system. Ideally these situations should be avoided but where

it is not possible it is important that they be carried out with

care.

 

Stress management should be priority. Meditation, light exercise,

reading, writing, aromatherapy, music therapy, crystal therapy are

all important stress/emotional wranglers that should be considered.

 

 

Rest, heat or ice on affected areas should be applied.

 

Therapies you should consider:

 

*Glucosamine/Chondroitin Complex (500 mg) 3 x a day (heals

cartilage) :avoid if allergic to seafood.

*Ginger Root (inflammation)

*Evening Primrose Oil (inflammation)

*Bromelain (Pineapple enzyme 500 mg) 3 x a day on empty stomach

(inflammation)

*Vitamin C with Bioflavanoids (1000 mg) 4 x a day (boosts immune

system) :lessen dosage if bowel movements are effected.

*Vitamin E (anti-oxidant, inflammation)

*Eating fatty fish, such as salmon or sardines for their Omega-3 oils

(inflammation)

*White Willow Bark (inflammation)

*Goldenseal (inflammation, cleansing, good for viral)

*Valerian Root (calming, helps sleep)

*Grape Seed Extract (antioxidant)

*St. John's Wort (300 mg) 3 x a day (good for nerve pain and

depression)

*A good multivitamin 1 x a day

*B Complex 1 x a day

*Traumed brand homeopathic cream applied to area as needed.

*Enteric coated aspirin (325 mg) four a day

*Hot mineral baths once or twice a day

*Take a warm shower twice a day

*Light stretches on my back/neck area after each shower; this keeps

body flexible.

*Massage every two weeks, concentrating on neck flanks and shoulder

area.

*Work out the neck/shoulder/back area with light weights on a weight

machine, to strengthen.

*Acupuncture has shown very promising results for this condition.

 

I emphasize one point, however, about costochondritis. If you have

any doubt whatsoever about your chest pain, and even if you feel it

is simply a cartilage inflammation, get a confirmation from a doctor

or even a second opinion.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Peacefulmind.com

Alternative medicine and therapies

for healing mind, body & spirit!