Causative Factors
http://www.londonpainconsultants.com/articles/2006/10/14/costochondritis/
Costochondritis occurs because of the inflammation of the cartilage
(i.e., the costochondral joints) joining the rib bone and breastbone
(sternum). Other causative factors include:
Traumatic Injury: This is identified as the most common cause of the
inflammation. A prominent example is a car accident where the drivers
chest strikes the steering wheel.
Fibromyalgia: In some cases, recurring costochondritis could be
indicative of the presence of Fibromyalgia, another condition
characterized by tender spots over the body.
Viral infections: Viral infections, especially the upper respiratory
infections are also known to be the cause of costochondritis.
Referred pain: Sometimes, the brain misinterprets the pain signals.
Pain in your chest could actually be caused by the problems with the
bones in your spine compressing the nerves.
Treatment Options
The condition of costochondritis is normally self-curing and the pain
usually resolves after a week or two.
Medications are normally prescribed for pain relief during the course
of the disorder. The main amongst these include:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
(Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve)
Antidepressants, especially tricyclic antidepressants, to ease sleep
disorders
Muscle relaxants
Surgical removal of sore cartilage may also be sought if medical
therapy does not get the desired response. In some cases, alternative
therapies such as massage and acupuncture have also known to bring
relief from the symptoms of costochondritis.
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