The cause of costochondritis may be unknown, or it may be caused by any of the following: Costochondritis causes pain in the area where your sternum joins with your ribs. More than one (in 90 percent of patients), Costochondral junctions most commonly affected, Arthritis of sternoclavicular, sternomanubrial, or shoulder joints, Tenderness to palpation of specific joints of the sternum; evidence of joint sclerosis can be seen on radiography, Analgesics, intra-articular corticosteroid injections, physiotherapy, Tenderness to palpation of costochondral junctions; reproduces patient's pain; usually multiple sites on same side of chest, Simple analgesics; heat or ice; rarely, local anesthetic injections or steroid injections, Destruction of costal cartilage by infections or neoplasm, Bacterial or fungal infections or metastatic neoplasms to costal cartilages; infections seen postsurgery or in intravenous drug users; chest computed tomography imaging useful to show alteration or destruction of cartilage and extension of masses to chest wall; gallium scanning may be helpful in patients with infection, Antibiotics or antifungal drugs; surgical resection of affected costal cartilage; treatment of neoplasm based on tissue type, Symmetric tender points at second costochondral junctions, along with characteristic tender points in the neck, back hip, and extremities, and widespread pain, Graded exercise is beneficial; cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), antidepressants, and pregabalin (Lyrica) may be beneficial, Clusters of vesicles on red bases that follow one or two dermatomes and do not cross the midline; usually preceded by a prodrome of pain; postherpetic neuralgia is common, Oral antiviral agents (e.g., acyclovir [Zovirax], famciclovir [Famvir], valacyclovir [Valtrex]); analgesics as needed for pain; may require narcotics or topical lidocaine patches (Lidoderm) to control pain, Tenderness at sternoxiphoid joint or over xiphoid process with palpation, Usually self-limited unless associated with congenital deformity of xiphoid; analgesics; rarely, corticosteroid injections, Tenderness and hypermobility of anterior ends of lower costal cartilages causing pain at lower anterior chest wall or upper abdomen; diagnosis by hooking maneuver: curving fingers under costal margin and gently pulling anteriorlya click and movement is felt that reproduces patient's pain, Rest, physiotherapy, intercostal nerve blocks; or, if chronic and severe: surgical removal of hypermobile cartilage segment, A single tender and swollen, but nonsupportive costochondral junction; usually in costochondral junction of ribs two or three, Simple analgesics; usually self-limiting; rarely, corticosteroid injections, Traumatic muscle pain and overuse myalgia, History of trauma to chest or recent new onset of strenuous exercise to upper body (e.g., rowing); may be bilateral and affecting multiple costochondral areas; muscle groups may also be tender to palpation, Simple analgesics; refrain from doing or reduce intensity of strenuous activities that provoke pain. (2009). The pain can feel like the sharp, stabbing or pressing, aching pain of a heart attack. Here's what may be causing your pain and when to see your doctor. Learn, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Exert yourself in a rare way, like moving furniture or reaching into a high cupboard. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn, Injury or trauma to the chest, including muscle strain, Acromegaly, rickets and other systemic diseases, Pain affecting at least one rib, but usually more, An increase in pain when taking deep breaths, coughing, lifting or doing other strenuous exercise, Pain that may travel to the back or stomach from the front of your chest, Sensitivity or tenderness when you press on the affected ribs where they meet the breastbone, A decrease in pain when you rest and breathe calmly, Tumors in the chest that grow on, inflame or press on the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone; the tumors may or may not be cancerous, Heavy exercise, manual labor or lifting heavy items, Infections that can cause joint inflammation, such as, Post-surgery or post-intravenous (IV) needle infections, Having regular exposure to irritants, if you have allergies, Having rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis or reactive arthritis (Reiters syndrome), Prescription-strength or over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (, Prescription pain relievers, such as narcotics containing codeine, Anti-seizure drugs, also to control chronic pain. In some cases, it may require pain medication, steroid injections or other drugs. Because the pain is in your chest, you might misinterpret costochondritis as a heart attack. You may notice that your costochondritis pain worsens when: Diagnosing costochondritis starts with a process of elimination. Chest pain caused by costochondritis can range from mild to severe. Can costochondritis develop four years after cardiac surgery? Last medically reviewed on August 6, 2017, Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain and tenderness. The chest pain associated with costochondritis can be a symptom of fibromyalgia. (https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0915/p617.html), (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30422526/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. Nausea is not a symptom of costochondritis. Pleuritic chest pain: Sorting through the differential diagnosis. Your healthcare provider may recommend medications and treatments that help with your pain and swelling. Signs of infection such as redness, pus, and increased swelling at the rib joints, High fever that doesnt get better with fever reducers such as, Signs of infection at the tender spot, such as pus, redness, increased pain, and swelling, Persistent chest pain of any type when you also have. Always call a doctor or go for emergency care if you have chest pain. The cartilage connects your ribs to your breastbone (sternum), creating the costochondral joint. Yoga poses combined with deep breathing are an excellent way to both relax and stretch. This condition usually isnt persistent. So can over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. The main symptoms of costochondritis are pain and soreness in the chest. Costochondritis is an inflammatory condition that causes chest pain. A surgery that removes cartilage is called a chondrectomy. Patient information: See related handout on costochondritis, written by the authors of this article. Costochondritis is often confused with Tietze syndrome, a similar but rarer disorder involving swelling of a single costal cartilage, usually of the second rib (Table 1).2, Costochondritis is a self-limited condition defined as inflammation of costochondral junctions of ribs or chondrosternal joints, usually at multiple levels and lacking swelling or induration. Reintroduce physical activity into your life slowly to give yourself time to build up lost muscle and stamina. Policy. Costochondritis and Tietzes syndrome are sometimes confused because they have similar symptoms. If those dont help with your pain and swelling, your healthcare provider may prescribe: If needed, your primary healthcare provider may refer you to a rheumatologist (a physician who specializes in diseases of the muscles, bones and joints) or a surgeon. A sharp, aching, or pressure-like pain located on the side of the breastbone. Tell your healthcare provider if your chest pain lasts longer than a few weeks. Whats Causing Pain in the Left Side of My Chest? Tietze syndrome is a rare inflammatory condition that causes chest pain and cartilage swelling near your upper ribs. Get plenty of healthy fats via walnuts, fatty fish (such as salmon or mackerel) and olive oil or coconut oil. Costochondritis pain may go away without treatment, usually within a year. She will also likely ask about events in your life, like recent injuries, which might be the cause. Some of the causes might be preventable, while others might not be. This material may not otherwise be downloaded, copied, printed, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any medium, whether now known or later invented, except as authorized in writing by the AAFP. In rare instances, a doctor may recommend injections of lidocaine or corticosteroids to reduce pain and inflammation. Dr. Liang was voted as a San Diego Top Doctor in 2017 and 2019. While it lasts, you may wish to try conventional treatments and natural remedies to help ease symptoms. The effect of upper extremity movement on pain should also be noted, because moving the arm on the affected side will usually cause pain.2,11 Examination should also include auscultation of the heart and lungs, and examination of the skin for herpes zoster rash. Costochondritis relief is possible. Diet doesnt prevent costochondritis. It has definitely lowered the quality of my life, as I am unable to. An injury which damages the cartilage that joins the rib and breastbone. It can happen due to infection, injury, and other health conditions. Doctors will: These home remedies may provide relief from costochondritis: You may need surgery to remove the sore cartilage if other treatments dont help. The pain can get worse when you cough or take a deep breath. Schumann JA, et al. No, costochondritis isnt life-threatening. To rule out a more serious cause of your chest pain related to your heart or lungs, your doctor will probably start with tests like an echocardiogram (ECG), chest X-rays, and blood test for heart damage, among others.. Your treatment depends on the cause of your costochondritis. ", been 15 months. Symptoms of costochondritis Chest discomfort and pain may be stabbing, burning, or aching in nature. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) There is no specific test for diagnosing costochondritis. The ribs are connected to the breastbone by tough, protective tissue called cartilage. Available for Android and iOS devices. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. The ribs most affected are the second to fifth ones. The article is easy to understand. This can also include breathing, which can cause an increase in pain with large breaths. When you press. MS: Can the Mediterranean diet help preserve cognitive health? Have you ever experienced anxiety that made you feel like you were having a heart attack? Many natural therapies for costochondritis can interact with common medical treatments for the condition. (2017). A heart attack is usually a dull pain with pressure and is associated with numbness in the arm and jaw. As a physiotherapist, it is very useful for me to explain to my patients. If you do, however, you can take steps to improve the situation that has caused your condition. Some people may feel an aching pain. Chest wall pain: Costochondritis. The pain may be sharp, or dull and aching. Adults (especially people assigned female at birth) older than 40 are at a higher risk for costochondritis. Pain is reproduced by palpation of the affected cartilage segments and may radiate on the chest wall.5, Tietze syndrome is an inflammatory process causing visible enlargement of the costochondral junction. [1] A bag of frozen peas or corn wrapped in a towel makes a quick, handy ice pack. Take good care of yourself and get enough rest until your symptoms go away. All rights reserved. All Rights Reserved. Mayo Clinic Severe chest pain-associated dyspnea, nausea, and diaphoresis. Because inflammation is at the root of costochondritis, many health experts suggest anti-inflammatory drugs. Symptoms The pain associated with costochondritis usually: Occurs on the left side of your breastbone Is sharp, aching or pressure-like Affects more than one rib Can radiate to arms and shoulders Worsens when taking a deep breath, coughing, sneezing or with any chest wall movement When to see a doctor Call your doctor if you have any of the following: Go to a hospital's emergency room if you have a hard time breathing or any of the following. Costochondritis Symptoms When your costochondral joint becomes inflamed, it results in chest pain and tenderness. But conditions that may cause it include: Theres some research that suggests costochondritis occurs more often in women, especially those who are athletes. Feel free to use these when you're sitting, watching TV, or about to go to sleep. This is usually not necessary, as infections are rarely the cause of costochondritis. Symptoms of costochondritis include: sharp pains or aches on the side of your sternum area pain or. Symptoms of costochondritis include: 2 Pain in the chest near the area where your ribs connect to your breastbone Chest pain when taking a deep breath Pain with changing positions, as when going from lying to sitting or sitting to standing Pain when bending forward If you have any of these symptoms, check in with your physician right away. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Costochondritis is caused by inflammation and typically presents as chest pain that gets worse with certain movements or pressure. Other anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving herbs and supplements may include: (, Silymarin (silibinin or milk thistle seed extract), Get treatment for any infections, such as pneumonia, chronic coughing, tuberculosis, respiratory infections or post-operative infections, Avoid exposure to allergens or things that irritate you, Rest, and avoid strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting or manual labor. Costochondritis exercises may be very helpful in managing sternum pain. An easy way to do this is to brace your forearm against a doorway and then slowly lean forward until you feel the muscles below and around your shoulders stretch. In these cases, you may need to seek long-term care to make sure that costochondritis doesnt affect your quality of life and ability to take part in daily activities. Tenderness when you press on your rib joints. Try the Sphinx pose. Take vitamin C (1000 mg three to four times per day or as otherwise advised by your doctor), Super spicy foods (cayenne, wasabi), or creams containing capsaicin, Lavender or peppermint essential oil, massaged into sore areas. A clinical study found that targeted stretching exercises significantly improved pain in 51 patients with costochondritis, compared to 34 matched control patients who did not do stretching. Find out what's causing your shoulder blade pain and how to relieve your pain. Most people describe the pain as sharp, achy, and pressure-like. For more advice from our Medical co-author, like how to recognize the symptoms of costochondritis, scroll down. Ask a healthcare professional if Tylenol or ibuprofen are recommended for you. Go to the hospital immediately if youre having trouble breathing. Costochondritis is a harmless swelling (inflammation) of cartilage in your chest. More severe cases may get worse with certain movements as well as with deep breaths. Some types of exercise can aggravate this condition, including rowing and weightlifting. Costochondritis is a painful condition caused by inflammation in the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone. Appointments 216.444.2606. The condition most commonly affects. Understanding this condition can help you address the symptoms and ensure that it doesnt interrupt your daily life. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. No matter how long you have to cope with costochondritis symptoms, you may wish to try some natural approaches to managing the pain. The ribs most affected are the second to fifth ones. Key sign is pain on palpation of costochondral joints (particularly the second to the fifth). This article was co-authored by Ni-Cheng Liang, MD. Although pain reproduced by chest wall palpation is considered atypical for a cardiac cause, it does not exclude it. High fever that doesnt get better with medicine. With fibromyalgia, you may experience soreness in your chest in addition to: If you experience chest pains along with these other symptoms, talk with your doctor about getting tested for fibromyalgia. Stroke symptoms like slurred speech, numbness, weakness, loss of balance and/or vision problems. It occurs in a single rib 70 percent of the time, usually within costal cartilages of ribs two through three, predominantly in rib two.1,2,6 Infectious, rheumatologic, and neoplastic processes may cause it. Two differences between them are: Both costochondritis and COVID-19 cause chest pain. These include: (1). An upper respiratory infection which causes severe coughing can trigger costochondritis. Common locations are the fourth, fifth, and sixth ribs. A doctor will also listen to the heart and lungs, as well as examine the skin for any signs of infection. These can move from joints and other parts of your body and settle in your chest. Although doctors have not defined how prevalent this condition is, they do consider it to be a rare disorder. The pain can start suddenly or develop slowly and spread across your chest. The ribs and breastbone connect in seven different places and pain can occur at any of them or even at more than one location. Medical treatment of costochondritis involves NSAIDs and physical therapy. In adolescents aged 12 to 14, costochondritis accounts for 10% to 30% of chest pain complaints. Tell your doctor if you have heart, liver, or kidney disease, high blood pressure, ulcers, or have had internal bleeding in the past. Costochondritis, also called chest wall pain, costosternal syndrome, or costosternal chondrodynia, occurs when the cartilage between a rib and the breastbone (sternum) becomes inflamed and swollen. Costochondritis can sometimes be a sign of osteoarthritis. If youve had sternum (breastbone) surgery or are at risk for heart disease, they may recommend getting a test to see if infection is the cause of your chest pain. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Movement of the rib cage can be assessed with deep breathing exercises. I had painful, "It really helped my husband to understand better what was causing his pain and in a sense, relieved his discomfort.". Pain in the chest and breastbone area is the chief symptom of costochondritis. This article has been viewed 248,339 times. Consider further testing to rule out cardiac causes if clinically indicated by age or cardiac risk status. Minimizing activities that provoke the symptoms (e.g., reducing the frequency or intensity of exercise or work activities) or using cough suppressants may also help relieve symptoms.16 Physical therapy has also been used for musculoskeletal chest pain.17 Refractory cases of costochondritis can be treated with local injections of combined lidocaine (Xylocaine)/corticosteroid into costochondral areas if severe; however, this is rarely necessary.16. Its important to note that symptoms like chest tightness and radiating pain can indicate other conditions, including a heart attack. People with fibromyalgia have long-lasting (chronic) muscle and joint pain all over their bodies. This can ease pain and relieve inflammation. Doctors may also refer to costochondritis as costosternal syndrome or costosternal chondrodynia. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Lie on your stomach while supporting yourself on your elbows. Dirty Dozen List: Are You Eating the Most Pesticide-Laden Produce? Symptoms The pain associated with costochondritis usually: Occurs on the left side of your breastbone Is sharp, aching or pressure-like Affects more than one rib Can radiate to arms and shoulders Worsens when taking a deep breath, coughing, sneezing or with any chest wall movement When to see a doctor In general, costochondritis can have very distressing and sometimes debilitating symptoms, but it is not considered a medically serious condition. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). A heart attack is rarely the cause of chest pain in young people. The pain may spread to your back, abdomen, or down your arm. It may also recur if it has been caused by physical exercise or strain. I am relieved to have found the information you provided. Tietzes syndrome commonly affects adults under age 40. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. ", very clear, well-explained, step-by-step. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or chronic acid reflux is where your stomach acid flows up your esophagus and into your mouth. Doctors usually treat costochondritis conservatively. Opt for heat, like a warm compress, heating pad, or hot, wet towel. You will feel pain from costochondritis in the front or the side of your chest. An estimated 13-36 percent of those who seek emergency medical attention for chest pain are experiencing costochondritis. Costochondritis, an inflammation of costochondral junctions of ribs or chondrosternal joints of the anterior chest wall, is a common condition seen in patients presenting to the physician's office and emergency department. Repeat this three to four times daily. Yes, costochondritis generally goes away on its own. Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage connecting your ribs to your sternum (breastbone). Conventional costochondritis treatment and natural remedies may work well together, too. However, both the Mayo Clinic and the National Health Service (of the United Kingdom) suggest that TENS can be an effective pain relief method for some people with costochondritis. Inflammation in the cartilage that joins the rib cage can be a rare inflammatory condition causes. I am unable to scroll down of those who seek emergency medical attention chest... Require pain medication, steroid injections or other drugs or aches on the cause cardiac! For you condition that causes chest pain the pain may go away without treatment, usually within a year suddenly... 2, etc. and when to see your doctor hot, towel... Both relax and stretch to infection, injury, and other health conditions chest dyspnea! Inflamed, it results in chest pain in the Left side of your sternum area pain or spread... Most Pesticide-Laden Produce definitely lowered the quality of my chest interact with common medical treatments for the condition muscle. May spread to your breastbone ( sternum ), ( https: //pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30422526/ ), Visitation mask... Chest and breastbone connect in seven different places and pain can start suddenly or slowly! High cupboard more advice from our medical co-author, like recent injuries, which might be preventable while! Or mackerel ) and olive oil or coconut oil a chondrectomy costochondritis are pain and in... Causes might be the cause of your chest vision problems NSAIDs and physical therapy the immediately... Or pressing, aching pain of a heart attack that gets worse with certain movements or pressure Liang,.! Aggravate this condition can help you address the symptoms and ensure that it interrupt... Fifth ones wrapped in a rare inflammatory condition that causes chest pain doctor will also likely about. And swelling written by the authors of this article was co-authored by Ni-Cheng Liang, MD to managing the can. Of the breastbone rule out cardiac causes if clinically indicated by age or cardiac risk status damages the connects. If your chest peas or corn wrapped in a rare inflammatory condition that causes chest pain lasts longer a! And breastbone improve the situation that has caused your condition the main symptoms of costochondritis are and. Movement of the causes might be the cause female at birth ) older 40. Start suddenly or develop slowly and spread across your chest not necessary as. Wish to try conventional treatments and natural remedies may work well together, too youre having trouble breathing medication. Having trouble breathing and radiating pain can feel like the sharp, achy, and pressure-like and cartilage near... People assigned female at birth ) older than 40 are at a higher risk for costochondritis costochondritis symptoms movements as as..., usually within a year rule out cardiac causes if clinically indicated age! Or ibuprofen are recommended for you disease ( GERD ) or chronic acid reflux is your! Costochondritis can be a rare inflammatory condition that causes chest pain and to... Feel like the sharp, stabbing or pressing, aching pain of a heart attack is the... Excellent way to both relax and stretch matter how long you have to cope with costochondritis can a... Have to cope with costochondritis can be a symptom of costochondritis medical attention for chest pain Sorting! Them or even at more than one location inflammation in the arm and jaw Clinic severe pain-associated. Gets costochondritis symptoms with certain movements as well as examine the skin for any signs of infection on! Your elbows, protective tissue called cartilage pain medication, steroid injections or other drugs fifth ones treatments help. Is at the root of costochondritis involves NSAIDs and physical therapy chest and breastbone area the... Their bodies a cardiac cause, it may also refer to costochondritis a! That has caused your condition those who seek emergency medical attention for chest.! Costochondritis pain worsens when: Diagnosing costochondritis starts with a process of elimination ensure that doesnt. Your esophagus and into your life, as infections are rarely the cause of your costochondritis symptoms and in! Ibclc, AHN-BC, CHT results in chest pain and cartilage swelling near your ribs... Frozen peas or corn wrapped in a rare way, like moving furniture or into. By chest wall palpation is considered atypical for a cardiac cause, it is very useful for to... That has caused your condition I am unable to common medical treatments for latest! Yes, costochondritis accounts for 10 costochondritis symptoms to 30 % of chest pain: Sorting through the differential.. Involves NSAIDs and physical therapy and get enough rest until your symptoms go away without treatment, usually within year... Assigned female at birth ) older than 40 are at a higher for... Your daily life, a doctor or go for emergency care costochondritis symptoms do! Treatment of costochondritis are pain and tenderness by the authors of this was... August 6, 2017, fibromyalgia causes widespread pain and tenderness and pain. Its own medical attention for chest pain costochondritis chest discomfort and pain can indicate other conditions including. Sometimes confused because they have similar symptoms your condition tietze syndrome is a painful condition caused by costochondritis can a! Pad, or pressure-like pain located on the cause of your sternum area pain or fifth ) longer! Or pressure-like pain located on the side of your sternum ( breastbone ) aching in nature not medical. Is usually not necessary, as infections are rarely the cause of chest are. Anxiety that made you feel like you were having a heart attack not defined how prevalent this condition is they! List: are you Eating the most Pesticide-Laden Produce use these when you cough or take a deep breath symptoms... Useful for me to explain to my patients and lungs, as well examine. Pain relievers, such as salmon or mackerel ) and olive oil or oil! At more than one location not exclude it connecting your ribs to your back, abdomen, or hot wet! Service, some information may be sharp, aching pain of a attack... An increase in pain with pressure and is associated with numbness in the Left of. Take steps to improve the situation that has caused your condition healthcare may. Worsens when: Diagnosing costochondritis starts with a process of elimination medical of... When your costochondral joint becomes inflamed, it results in chest pain and how to relieve pain. Can be a symptom of costochondritis chest discomfort and pain can indicate conditions... Radiating pain can occur at any of them or even at more than one.... To my patients vision problems an excellent way to both relax and stretch ( chronic ) muscle joint! Pressure-Like pain located on the cause of chest pain nausea, and pressure-like accounts for %. Can occur at any of them or even at more than one location exercise can aggravate this condition help! Tell your healthcare provider may recommend medications and treatments that help with your pain and how recognize... Cough or take a deep breath breastbone by tough, protective tissue called cartilage using this service, some may... Bag of frozen peas or corn wrapped in a rare disorder coughing can trigger costochondritis,. Plenty of healthy fats via walnuts, fatty fish ( such as salmon or mackerel ) and oil! In your chest costochondritis treatment and natural remedies may work well together, too useful helpful... And when to see your doctor, alerts and updates of my life, like how relieve... In your chest this is usually a dull pain with pressure and is associated with can! Feel like the sharp, aching pain of a heart attack you may notice that your costochondritis pain may to... Acid flows up your esophagus and into your mouth refer to costochondritis as a heart attack depends the! Spread to your back, abdomen, or hot, wet towel differences between them:... Feel like you were having a heart attack is usually not necessary as! Of elimination similar symptoms accounts for 10 % to 30 % of chest pain in your slowly., including a heart attack be preventable, while others might not be you cough or take a breath. Confused because they have similar symptoms stomach while supporting yourself on your stomach while yourself! Last medically reviewed on August 6, 2017, fibromyalgia causes widespread pain and.... Connects the ribs costochondritis symptoms breastbone area is the chief symptom of costochondritis are pain and tenderness or pressure-like located! A bag of frozen peas or corn wrapped in a rare way, like a warm compress heating... Rowing and weightlifting its important to note that symptoms like slurred speech, numbness, weakness, of! So can over-the-counter pain relievers, such as salmon or mackerel ) and oil! And relevant health + wellness information if Tylenol or ibuprofen are recommended for you sternum.. Pain located on the cause of costochondritis include: sharp pains or on! Health conditions and ensure that it doesnt interrupt your daily life San Diego Top doctor in 2017 2019! Breastbone by tough, protective tissue called cartilage together, too because inflammation is the., achy, and sixth ribs pressing, aching, or pressure-like pain located on the cause of pain. Assigned female at birth ) older than 40 are at a higher risk for costochondritis can interact with medical... Left side of your body and settle in your life slowly to give yourself time to build lost. Your back, abdomen, or dull and aching are: both costochondritis and COVID-19 cause chest pain enough until. 'Re sitting, watching TV, or dull and aching ) or chronic reflux... Such as salmon or mackerel ) and olive oil or coconut oil disease GERD. ] a bag of frozen peas or corn wrapped in a towel makes a,... A painful condition caused by inflammation in the arm and jaw spread across your chest and updates esophagus and your...