Inflammation in the chest area. Costochondritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Chest Wall Inflammation
What is costochondritis. How does it differ from Tietze’s syndrome. What are the main symptoms of costochondritis. When should you seek medical help for chest pain. What causes inflammation of the costochondral joint. How is costochondritis diagnosed and treated.
Understanding Costochondritis: An Overview of Chest Wall Inflammation
Costochondritis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone (sternum). This area, known as the costochondral joint, plays a crucial role in the flexibility and shock absorption of the chest wall. While costochondritis can be painful and concerning, it’s generally not a severe condition and often resolves on its own within a few weeks to months.
However, the symptoms of costochondritis can be alarming, as they may mimic those of more serious conditions like heart attacks. This similarity underscores the importance of proper diagnosis and understanding of the condition.
Costochondritis vs. Tietze’s Syndrome: Differentiating Similar Conditions
Costochondritis is often confused with a related condition called Tietze’s syndrome. Both involve inflammation of the costochondral joint and can cause similar symptoms. However, there are key differences:
- Prevalence: Costochondritis is more common than Tietze’s syndrome.
- Age of onset: Costochondritis typically affects adults over 40, while Tietze’s syndrome usually occurs in young adults under 40.
- Swelling: Tietze’s syndrome often causes visible chest swelling, which may persist even after pain and tenderness have subsided. This swelling is not typically present in costochondritis.
- Duration of symptoms: The swelling in Tietze’s syndrome may last longer than the pain associated with costochondritis.
Despite these differences, the management and treatment of both conditions are generally similar.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Costochondritis
The primary symptom of costochondritis is sharp chest pain accompanied by tenderness in the affected area. This pain can develop gradually or onset suddenly. Several factors can exacerbate the discomfort:
- Certain postures, particularly lying down
- Pressure on the chest (e.g., from seatbelts or hugging)
- Deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing
- Physical activity
The pain associated with costochondritis can be concerning, as it may resemble that of a heart attack. However, there are some key differences to be aware of.
Costochondritis Pain vs. Heart Attack Pain
How can you distinguish between costochondritis and a heart attack? While both can cause chest pain, a heart attack typically presents with additional symptoms:
- More widespread pain throughout the chest
- Shortness of breath or breathlessness
- Nausea
- Sweating
If you experience sudden, severe chest pain accompanied by these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services.
When to Seek Medical Help for Chest Pain
Given the potential severity of chest pain, it’s essential to know when to seek medical help. Here are some guidelines:
- If you experience sudden, severe chest pain and suspect a heart attack, call emergency services immediately.
- If you’ve been experiencing persistent chest pain, don’t ignore it. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.
- If you have a history of heart problems or are at high risk for cardiovascular disease, consult your doctor about any new or unusual chest pain.
Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to chest pain. Prompt medical attention can be life-saving in cases of heart attacks or other serious conditions.
Unraveling the Causes of Costochondritis
The exact cause of costochondritis isn’t always clear. Inflammation, the body’s natural response to infection, irritation, or injury, plays a central role. Several factors have been associated with the development of this condition:
- Severe coughing, which can strain the chest area
- Chest injuries
- Physical strain from repeated exercise or sudden, unaccustomed exertion
- Infections, including respiratory tract infections and wound infections
- Natural wear and tear due to constant chest movement during breathing
Understanding these potential causes can help in preventing recurrence and managing the condition effectively.
Diagnosing Costochondritis: The Path to Accurate Identification
Diagnosing costochondritis involves a combination of physical examination and, if necessary, diagnostic tests to rule out other conditions. The process typically includes:
- Physical examination: Your doctor will examine and palpate the upper chest area around your costochondral joint.
- Medical history review: Your doctor will inquire about the nature and timing of your pain, as well as your recent medical history.
- Diagnostic tests: To rule out other potential causes of chest pain, your doctor may order:
- An electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart function
- Blood tests to check for signs of inflammation or other underlying conditions
- A chest X-ray to visualize the bones and soft tissues in your chest
If these tests don’t reveal any other conditions, and your symptoms are consistent with costochondritis, your doctor may make a diagnosis based on these findings.
Effective Treatment Strategies for Costochondritis
While costochondritis often improves on its own within a few weeks, there are several approaches to managing symptoms and promoting recovery:
Self-Help Measures
Self-care is an essential component of costochondritis management:
- Avoid activities that exacerbate chest pain
- Apply heat to the affected area using warm compresses
- Practice good posture to reduce strain on the chest wall
- Use relaxation techniques to manage pain and reduce stress
Pain Management
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage the discomfort associated with costochondritis:
- Paracetamol for mild to moderate pain
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen to address both pain and inflammation
- Aspirin, though it should not be given to children under 16
It’s important to follow dosage instructions carefully and be aware of any contraindications, especially if you have conditions such as asthma, stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, or kidney or heart problems.
Advanced Treatment Options
If symptoms persist or worsen despite conservative measures, your doctor may consider additional treatments:
- Corticosteroid injections: These powerful anti-inflammatory medications can be injected directly into the affected area to reduce pain and swelling.
- Physical therapy: Specific exercises and techniques can help improve chest wall flexibility and reduce pain.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): This therapy uses low-voltage electrical current to relieve pain.
In rare cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief, your doctor may consider referral to a pain specialist or rheumatologist for further evaluation and management.
Living with Costochondritis: Lifestyle Adaptations and Long-Term Outlook
While costochondritis can be uncomfortable and disruptive, it’s generally a self-limiting condition. Most people recover fully within a few weeks to months. However, some individuals may experience recurrent episodes or chronic symptoms. In these cases, developing effective coping strategies is crucial:
- Stress management: Stress can exacerbate pain, so practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga may be beneficial.
- Ergonomic adjustments: Modifying your work environment and daily activities to reduce strain on your chest wall can help prevent flare-ups.
- Regular exercise: Once acute symptoms have subsided, gentle exercises to improve posture and strengthen chest muscles may help prevent recurrence.
- Diet and nutrition: While there’s no specific diet for costochondritis, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet can support overall health and potentially reduce inflammation.
It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized management plan that addresses your specific needs and circumstances.
Prognosis and Potential Complications
What is the long-term outlook for individuals with costochondritis? Generally, the prognosis is favorable:
- Most cases resolve completely within a few weeks to months
- The condition doesn’t lead to permanent damage to the cartilage or ribs
- There are typically no long-term complications associated with costochondritis
However, some people may experience recurring episodes of costochondritis. In these cases, working with your healthcare provider to identify triggers and develop effective management strategies is crucial.
Preventing Costochondritis: Proactive Measures for Chest Health
While it’s not always possible to prevent costochondritis, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk or minimize the severity of episodes:
- Practice good posture to reduce strain on your chest wall
- Use proper form when exercising, particularly during activities that involve the chest muscles
- Avoid overexertion and gradually increase the intensity of physical activities
- Manage underlying conditions that may contribute to costochondritis, such as chronic cough
- Protect your chest from injury by wearing appropriate safety gear during sports or high-risk activities
By incorporating these preventive measures into your daily routine, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing costochondritis or experiencing recurrent episodes.
The Role of Regular Check-ups
Regular medical check-ups can play a crucial role in maintaining chest health and preventing complications. During these visits, your healthcare provider can:
- Assess your overall health and identify any potential risk factors for costochondritis
- Provide guidance on lifestyle modifications to reduce your risk
- Address any concerns or symptoms you may be experiencing
- Conduct necessary screenings to rule out more serious conditions that may present with similar symptoms
By staying proactive about your health and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider, you can take significant steps towards preventing costochondritis and ensuring overall chest health.
Costochondritis in Special Populations: Considerations for Specific Groups
While costochondritis can affect anyone, certain populations may require special considerations in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and management:
Costochondritis in Children and Adolescents
Costochondritis can occur in children and adolescents, although it’s less common than in adults. Some key points to consider include:
- Diagnosis may be more challenging due to the difficulty young children may have in describing their symptoms
- Treatment generally focuses on conservative measures, with careful consideration given to medication dosages
- Reassurance and education for both the child and parents are crucial components of management
Costochondritis in Pregnant Women
Pregnancy can sometimes exacerbate or trigger costochondritis due to changes in posture and increased chest wall strain. Management in pregnant women requires special attention:
- Certain medications may be contraindicated during pregnancy, necessitating careful selection of treatment options
- Physical therapy and postural modifications may be particularly beneficial
- Close monitoring is essential to distinguish costochondritis from other pregnancy-related chest pain causes
Costochondritis in Older Adults
Older adults with costochondritis may face unique challenges:
- Increased risk of misdiagnosis due to the higher prevalence of heart disease in this population
- Potential for interactions between costochondritis treatments and medications for other conditions
- Greater emphasis on non-pharmacological management strategies to avoid potential medication side effects
In all these special populations, a tailored approach considering the individual’s specific circumstances and needs is crucial for effective management of costochondritis.
Emerging Research and Future Directions in Costochondritis Management
As medical science continues to advance, new insights into costochondritis are emerging, potentially leading to improved diagnostic and treatment strategies:
Advanced Imaging Techniques
While costochondritis is typically diagnosed based on clinical presentation, research is exploring the potential of advanced imaging techniques:
- Ultrasound imaging to visualize inflammation in the costochondral junction
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect subtle changes in the cartilage and surrounding tissues
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scans to identify areas of active inflammation
These techniques may offer more objective methods for diagnosis and monitoring of costochondritis in the future.
Novel Treatment Approaches
Researchers are investigating new treatment modalities that may offer relief for individuals with persistent or recurrent costochondritis:
- Targeted biologic therapies to modulate the inflammatory response
- Regenerative medicine techniques, such as platelet-rich plasma injections, to promote healing of the affected cartilage
- Advanced pain management strategies, including neuromodulation techniques
While these approaches are still in the experimental stages, they hold promise for expanding the treatment options available for costochondritis in the future.
Genetic and Environmental Factors
Ongoing research is also exploring the potential role of genetic and environmental factors in the development of costochondritis:
- Genetic studies to identify potential hereditary predispositions to the condition
- Investigation of environmental triggers that may increase the risk of costochondritis
- Exploration of the relationship between costochondritis and other inflammatory conditions
These lines of research may lead to a better understanding of why some individuals are more susceptible to costochondritis and could potentially inform prevention strategies in the future.
As research in these areas continues, it’s likely that our understanding and management of costochondritis will evolve, potentially leading to more effective and personalized treatment approaches. Staying informed about these developments can help both patients and healthcare providers make the best decisions for managing this condition.
Costochondritis | NHS inform
Costochondritis is the medical term for inflammation of the cartilage that joins your ribs to your breastbone (sternum). This area is known as the costochondral joint.
Cartilage is tough but flexible connective tissue found throughout the body, including in the joints between bones. It acts as a shock absorber, cushioning the joints.
Costochondritis may improve on its own after a few weeks, although it can last for several months or more. The condition doesn’t lead to any permanent problems, but may sometimes relapse.
Tietze’s syndrome
Costochondritis may be confused with a separate condition called Tietze’s syndrome. Both conditions involve inflammation of the costochondral joint and can cause very similar symptoms.
However, Tietze’s syndrome is much less common and often causes chest swelling, which may last after any pain and tenderness has gone.
Costochondritis also tends to affect adults aged 40 or over, whereas Tietze’s syndrome usually affects young adults under 40.
As the conditions are very similar, most of the information below also applies to Tietze’s syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When the costochondral joint becomes inflamed it can result in sharp chest pain and tenderness, which may develop gradually or start suddenly.
The pain may be made worse by:
- a particular posture – such as lying down
- pressure on your chest – such as wearing a seatbelt or hugging someone
- deep breathing, coughing and sneezing
- physical activity
When to seek medical help
It can be difficult to tell the difference between the chest pain associated with costochondritis and pain caused by more serious conditions, such as a heart attack.
However, a heart attack usually causes more widespread pain and additional symptoms, such as breathlessness, nausea and sweating.
If you, or someone you’re with, experiences sudden chest pain and you think there’s a possibility it could be a heart attack, dial 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.
If you’ve had chest pain for a while, don’t ignore it. Make an appointment to see your GP so they can investigate the cause.
Causes of costochondritis
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to infection, irritation or injury.
It’s not known exactly why the costochondral joint becomes inflamed, but in some cases it’s been linked to:
- severe coughing – which strains your chest area
- an injury to your chest
- physical strain from repeated exercise or sudden exertion that you’re not used to – such as moving furniture
- an infection – including respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and wound infections
- wear and tear – your chest moves in and out 20 to 30 times a minute, and over time this motion can lead to discomfort in these joints
Diagnosing costochondritis
If you have symptoms of costochondritis, your GP will examine and touch the upper chest area around your costochondral joint. They’ll ask you when and where your pain occurs and look at your recent medical history.
Before a diagnosis can be confirmed, some tests may need to be carried out to rule out other possible causes of your chest pain.
These may include:
- an electrocardiogram (ECG) – which records the rhythms and electrical activity of your heart
- a blood test to check for signs of underlying inflammation
- a chest X-ray
If no other condition is suspected or found, a diagnosis of costrochondritis may be made.
Treating costochondritis
Costochondritis often gets better after a few weeks, but self-help measures and medication can manage the symptoms.
Self-help
Costochondritis can be aggravated by any activity that places stress on your chest area, such as strenuous exercise or even simple movements like reaching up to a high cupboard.
Any activity that makes the pain in your chest area worse should be avoided until the inflammation in your ribs and cartilage has improved.
You may also find it soothing to regularly apply heat to the painful area – for example, using a cloth or flannel that’s been warmed with hot water.
Painkillers
Painkillers, such as paracetamol, can be used to ease mild to moderate pain.
Taking a type of medication called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) – such as ibuprofen and naproxen – two or three times a day can also help control the pain and swelling.
Aspirin is also a suitable alternative, but shouldn’t be given to children under 16 years old.
These medications are available from pharmacies without a prescription, but you should make sure you carefully read the instructions that come with them before use.
NSAIDs aren’t suitable for people with certain health conditions, including:
- asthma
- stomach ulcers
- high blood pressure
- kidney or heart problems
Contact your GP if your symptoms get worse despite resting and taking painkillers, as you may benefit from treatment with corticosteroids.
Corticosteroid injections
Corticosteroids are powerful medicines that can help reduce pain and swelling. They can be injected into and around your costochondral joint to help relieve the symptoms of costochondritis.
Corticosteroid injections may be recommended if your pain is severe, or if NSAIDs are unsuitable or ineffective.
They may be given by your GP, or you may need to be referred to a specialist called a rheumatologist.
Having too many corticosteroid injections can damage your costochondral joint, so you may only be able to have this type of treatment once every few months if you continue to experience pain.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
TENS is a method of pain relief where a mild electric current is delivered to the affected area using a small, battery-operated device.
The electrical impulses can reduce the pain signals going to the spinal cord and brain, which may help relieve pain and relax muscles.
They may also stimulate the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers.
Although TENS may be used to help relieve pain in a wide range of conditions, it doesn’t work for everyone.
There isn’t enough good-quality scientific evidence to say for sure whether TENS is a reliable method of pain relief. Speak to your GP if you’re considering TENS.
Read more about transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
Costochondritis — Symptoms, Causes, Tests, and Treatment for Costochondritis — from WebMD
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
- What Is Costochondritis?
- Costochondritis Causes
- Costochondritis Symptoms
- Costochondritis Risk Factors
- Costochondritis Diagnosis
- Costochondritis Treatment and Home Remedies
- Costochondritis Prevention
- Costochondritis Outlook
- More
Costochondritis is inflammation of the areas where your upper ribs join with the cartilage that holds them to your breastbone. These areas are called costochondral junctions. The condition causes chest pain, but it’s typically harmless and usually goes away without any treatment. But any chest pain in adults should be taken seriously, so you should be examined and tested for heart disease.
A rare condition called Tietze syndrome is often referred to as costochondritis, but the two are distinct conditions. You can tell the difference by the following:
Tietze syndrome usually comes on all of a sudden, with chest pain spreading to your arms or shoulder and lasting several weeks.
Tietze syndrome causes swelling at the painful area (where your ribs and breastbone meet).
Doctors don’t know exactly why costochondritis happens, but they do know that some things can lead to it:
- Repeated minor trauma to your chest wall
- Overuse of your arms
- Arthritis. Costochondritis can sometimes be a sign of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or other conditions that affect your cartilage.
- Tumors. These can move from joints and other parts of your body and settle in your chest.
- Respiratory infections caused by viruses
- Bacterial infections, especially in people who use IV drugs or have had surgery near their upper chest
- Fungal infections (in rare cases)
Chest pain linked to costochondritis usually comes on after exercise, minor trauma, or an upper respiratory infection.
- Sharp pain in the front of your chest, near where your breastbone and ribs meet, typically on the left side. It may spread to your back or belly.
- Pain when you take a deep breath or cough. It gets better when you stop moving or your breathing is quieter.
- Tenderness when you press on your rib joints. If you don’t have this tenderness, you probably don’t have costochondritis.
- If costochondritis happens because of an infection after surgery, you’ll have redness, swelling, or pus discharge at the site of the surgery.
Call your doctor if you have any of the following:
- Trouble breathing
- High fever
- Signs of infection such as redness, pus, and increased swelling at the rib joints
- Continuing or worsening pain despite medication
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Dizziness
Go to a hospital’s emergency room if you have a hard time breathing or any of the following. They’re not usually caused by costochondritis:
- High fever that doesn’t get better with fever reducers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- 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 nausea, sweating, or pain in your left arm. These may be signs of a heart attack. If you’re not sure what’s causing your chest pain, go to the emergency room.
Costochondritis is a common cause of chest pain in children and adolescents. It accounts for 10% to 30% of all chest pain in children. Annually, doctors see about 650,000 cases of chest pain in people ages 10 to 21. The peak age for the condition is ages 12-14.
Kids who often carry heavy book bags over one shoulder can be more likely to develop costochondritis.
In adults, costochondritis affects women more than men (70% vs. 30%).
There is no specific test for diagnosing costochondritis. 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.
If those tests come back normal, they’ll likely see if you have tenderness in any of your rib joints, usually over the fourth to sixth ribs.
If you’ve 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. Doctors will:
- Look for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, pus, and drainage at the site of surgery
- Recommend a more sophisticated imaging study of the chest called a gallium scan, which will show an increase in the radioactive material gallium
- Check your white blood cell count to see if it is high, a sign of infection
- Recommend a chest X-ray if pneumonia might be a cause of your chest pain
Home Remedies for Costochondritis
These home remedies may provide relief from costochondritis:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen as needed
- Using local heat or ice to relieve pain
- Avoiding unnecessary exercise or activities that make the symptoms worse; avoiding contact sports until there is improvement in symptoms, and then returning to normal activities only as tolerated
- Doing stretching exercises
Medications for Costochondritis
Your doctor may suggest the following:
- Prescription-strength NSAIDs.
- A local anesthetic and steroid injection in the area that is tender if normal activities become very painful and the pain doesn’t get better with medicine.
- Narcotics like hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Norco, Vicodin) or oxycodone/acetaminophen (Percocet, Roxicet, Tylox) can help with extreme pain, but, as with any narcotics, there’s danger of becoming addicted to them.
- Steroids. Your doctor can give you a corticosteroid shot directly into a painful joint, but that’s considered something of a last resort.
- Tricyclic antidepressants or cyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline can help ease pain, but they also can have side effects, like weight gain and drowsiness.
- Antiseizure drugs, usually gabapentin (Neurontin), are typically used to treat epilepsy, but they also may help with costochondritis.
- Infectious (bacterial or fungal) costochondritis should be treated with IV antibiotics. Afterward, antibiotics by mouth or by IV should be continued for another 2 to 3 weeks. You should see a doctor during recovery, and then once a year.
Surgery for Costochondritis
You may need surgery to remove the sore cartilage if other treatments don’t help. Your doctor can refer you to a surgeon.
Because inflammatory costochondritis has no definite cause, there is no good way to prevent it.
Noninfectious costochondritis will go away on its own, with or without anti-inflammatory treatment. Most people will recover fully.
Infectious costochondritis responds well to IV antibiotics and surgery, but recovery may take a long time.
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Myositis of the chest
Myositis of the chest is a pathology of the pectoral muscles, in which pain and tender lumps occur in the chest area. If the disease is not treated in a timely manner, it can give complications in the form of atrophy of muscle tissue, as well as disruption of the organs located in the chest. In some cases, chest myositis occurs without symptoms at all, but most patients still complain of limited mobility at the site of inflammation and pain. Myositis of the chest is a really serious disease that requires immediate treatment.
In our work, we focus on the general improvement of the patient’s body and the launch of self-healing processes. The attending physician provides deep contact with the patient, tracking his changes. Our approach does not involve taking pills and performing operations.
With any procedure, the patient receives not only treatment, but also attention: the doctor helps to cope with nervous tension and gives recommendations for self-help in the future.
The practices we use help to relax muscles that have been in hypertonicity for a long time, to restore joint mobility.
The methods of Tibetan medicine involve a longer, but at the same time the most gentle treatment, the principles of which are not aimed at eliminating the symptoms, but at working with the causes of the disease.
Why does myositis of the pectoral muscles occur?
Inflammatory process in the area of the pectoral muscles can occur due to various diseases and external factors that affect the general health of a person. The reasons for the appearance of myositis, experts of traditional (Western) medicine include:
- Infectious diseases. For example, influenza or SARS. Myositis can be the result of transferred viruses.
- Physical activity. Some people suffer from myositis due to improperly structured workouts in the gym, while others daily lift weights at work, which leads to the onset of this disease.
- Parasites. Parasitic myositis occurs rarely even if parasites live in the human body, which cause the disease.
- Muscle injuries and bruises. It can be mechanical injuries or regular convulsions.
- Bacteria can cause one of the most severe forms of myositis. In such cases, a purulent focus appears in the muscle tissue. This is accompanied by a deterioration in the general condition, severe pain, fever, weakness. The infection can also spread to other organs. For example, on the lungs.
Non-traditional (oriental) medicine considers disease as a manifestation of an imbalance in the three channels of the human body. Weakened immunity and diseases of the musculoskeletal system are the results of the disharmony of “Slime” and “Wind”. Thus, Eastern wisdom in interpreting the causes of myositis of the pectoral muscles complements the theory of traditional medicine.
What are the forms of thoracic myositis?
Today, there are two forms of myositis of the pectoral muscles – acute and chronic. The first is usually accompanied by severe pain in the chest area.
In the absence of proper treatment, the acute form flows into the chronic, then the pain dulls. The patient gets used to unpleasant sensations and does not pay attention to them. But at the same time, exacerbations steadily occur against the background of colds, changes in weather, or a long stay in an uncomfortable position.
Myositis can occur on the left side of the chest or on the right. In the first case, it can be confused with heart disease.
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Characteristic symptoms of chest myositis
The following symptoms of intercostal myositis are distinguished:
- Pain. They can be exacerbated by changes in the weather, during intense movements, or after a long stay in one position. Over time, the pain may become more pronounced.
- Puffiness. Swelling or puffiness is usually characteristic of purulent myositis. In addition, these symptoms may be accompanied by weakness, malaise, and fever. Also, at the site of inflammation, the skin may turn red.
- Muscle tension. It slightly limits movement and reduces pain.
Sometimes the pain disappears and does not bother a person for several days, but then returns again, and often with double strength. This is most often due to bruising of the chest, hypothermia, or infections.
After a while, the affected muscles can become weaker, and then completely decrease in size, their atrophy develops.
In order to avoid serious complications, it is necessary to limit your activity during treatment. It is not recommended to drive for a long time, play sports, including light exercises and morning runs, it is forbidden to lift weights, engage in outdoor games. It is necessary to lead a sedentary lifestyle for the period of treatment. Also, recovery will slow down the abuse of alcoholic beverages and smoking. Such habits contribute to metabolic disorders, prolonged narrowing of blood vessels, and as a result, the disease will progress.
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How is chest myositis diagnosed?
Before prescribing treatment for intercostal myositis, it is necessary to correctly diagnose it. Myositis of the muscles of the chest is often confused with other diseases. And in case of incorrect diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe incorrect treatment, which will lead to serious complications. Often, for the diagnosis, doctors prescribe patients to undergo an MRI, ultrasound, and take a blood test.
The doctors of the Sagan Dali clinic take into account the results of traditional diagnostics, if any. But the priority for us is the data obtained with pulse and computer (according to the Nakatani method) diagnostics. They qualitatively complement the Eastern interpretations of diseases and give a picture of the development of the disease, reinforcing the visual examination and questioning of the patient.
It is also important for a doctor to determine the patient’s constitution according to Eastern wisdom. So you can determine which detrimental factors prevail in the emotional and physical health of the patient:
- “Wind”. Chest myositis in people with the “Wind” constitution appears due to stressful situations, excessive susceptibility, and strong feelings.
- Slime. This constitution presupposes an excess of vital coldness to which the muscles react. As a result, stagnant processes appear in the human body, the outflow of blood slows down, and metabolism worsens. So, any external factors (stressful situations, hypothermia, injuries, serious experiences) can cause muscle damage.
- “Bile”. People with this constitution may develop myositis as a result of an unbalanced diet, constant stressful situations or infectious diseases.
“Healthy spine” program for the treatment of myositis of the pectoral muscles
Clinic “Sagan-Dali” offers author’s comprehensive programs for the treatment of myositis of the pectoral muscles and other diseases. One of them is the Healthy Spine program. Such a program is suitable not only for the treatment of myositis, but also works with arthritis, arthrosis, osteochondrosis, gout, spinal hernia.
The “Healthy Spine” program usually consists of nine sessions and includes a set of procedures aimed at starting the body’s self-healing process and awakening active points: vacuum therapy, hirudotherapy, massage techniques, herbal medicine, the use of medical patches. The use of this or that technique in the program is initially determined by the doctor based on the patient’s condition and the picture of his illness.
All these methods are safe for the human body: any effect is inherent in the human body.
In addition, treatment includes dietary changes and changes in the patient’s lifestyle. The attending physician will give the necessary recommendations, taking into account all aspects of life.
The initial free consultation will take approximately 20 minutes if you are already familiar with Eastern practices and 40 minutes if this is your first experience. During the allotted time, the doctor will conduct pulse diagnostics, examination, and computer diagnostics if necessary. If you have the results of previous studies and doctors’ conclusions, bring them, they will help us
DOCTORS OF SAGAN DALI CLINIC
Batomunkuev Alexander Sergeevich
Head doctor of the clinic. Therapist, reflexologist
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Tugutov Alexander Viktorovich
Leading specialist. Cardiologist, neurologist, reflexologist. More than 39 years of experience
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Dongindoo Navchaa
Tibetan medicine doctor, clinical professor. Therapist, reflexologist. More than 41 years of experience
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Olzonov Mikhail Anatolyevich
Doctor of Tibetan medicine. Neurologist, reflexologist. Experience over 14 years
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Mitapova Darima Dashievna
Doctor of Tibetan medicine. Pediatrician, neurologist, reflexologist. Experience over 14 years
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Tsydenov Tumun Bazarovich
Doctor of Tibetan medicine. Manual therapist, massage therapist. Experience over 18 years
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འགོ་འཛུགས་ལ་ག་རེ་དགོས་རེད
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Q&A
How long does a doctor’s appointment take?
If you are already familiar with Oriental medicine, the initial consultation will take approximately 20 minutes. During this time, the doctor will conduct a pulse diagnosis, ask the right questions and find out the cause of the imbalance in your body.
How is the first appointment?
Initial consultation consists of 3 stages:
1. Questioning
2. Examination
3. Pulse diagnosis
How to prepare for a diagnosis?
It is not difficult to prepare for a consultation with a pulse diagnosis. The main thing is to exclude the intake of strong drinks and medicines, as well as exclude physical activity on the day before admission and avoid a depressed psycho-emotional state.
Other services
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Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis
Treatment of myositis of the chest
Treatment of intervertebral hernia of the lumbar
Myositis
Treatment of hip arthritis
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Arthrosis of the knee joint
Treatment of arthrosis in the clinic
Gout
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How myositis is diagnosed, diagnosed and treated
- Clinic Family
- Articles
- Diseases
- Myositis
Other related articles: neurologist, back pain, neck pain, pain in limbs, muscle pain
Backache
Headache
Myositis
Memory problems
Myositis is an inflammatory process in one or more muscles at the same time, localization can be in the neck, back, chest, or limbs.
Several types of myositis are distinguished by prevalence :
- Dermatomyositis. The inflammatory process is manifested not only in the muscles, but also affects the skin
- Local myositis. Affects one muscle group
- Polymyositis. Affects multiple muscle groups
Myositis is distinguished by the stage of the disease:
- Acute: pain occurs after injury or heavy stress on the body
- Chronic: pains become regular, hypothermia, change of weather, prolonged physical activity can serve as a provocation
Manifestations of myositis
- Sharp aching pain in the neck, shoulders, chest, back, muscles of the arms or legs
- Pain is aggravated by palpation or increased exertion
- Muscles become tense, painful, nodules can be felt that do not go away even at rest
- Pain occurs when turning and tilting the head or torso and other sudden movements
- Edema may appear at the site of the disease, the skin may become hot.
Myositis leads to muscle weakness, which prevents the patient from moving freely and brings a lot of difficulties in everyday life. For example, it is impossible to get out of bed in the morning, the head must be kept strictly upright, otherwise there are sharp pains, it is difficult to move up the stairs and just turn your head. Every movement is accompanied by pain. If myositis is not treated or treated incorrectly, it can develop into muscle atrophy.
Diagnosis of myositis
Since myositis can be confused with many diseases, such as osteochondrosis or kidney disease, it is very important to carry out a number of diagnostic procedures. The Semeynaya clinic is equipped with the most modern diagnostic equipment that allows you to accurately diagnose the disease. Based on the tests and instrumental diagnostics, the doctor will prescribe an individual course of treatment. If you experience muscle pain do not tolerate it, seek help from high-level specialists.