What are the common symptoms of costochondritis. How is costochondritis diagnosed. What are the most effective treatments for costochondritis. Can costochondritis be prevented. Is costochondritis a serious condition.

Understanding Costochondritis: A Common Cause of Chest Pain

Costochondritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the costochondral junctions, which are the areas where the upper ribs connect to the cartilage that attaches them to the breastbone (sternum). This inflammation can cause significant chest pain, often mimicking more serious conditions such as heart attacks. Despite its alarming symptoms, costochondritis is generally harmless and typically resolves on its own without requiring extensive treatment.

Is costochondritis a serious condition? While the chest pain associated with costochondritis can be intense and concerning, it is not life-threatening. However, it’s crucial to seek medical attention to rule out more serious conditions, particularly in adults experiencing chest pain.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Costochondritis

Identifying costochondritis can be challenging due to its similarity to other chest-related conditions. However, there are specific symptoms that set it apart:

• Sharp, localized pain in the front of the chest, typically on the left side
• Pain that may spread to the back or abdomen
• Increased pain during deep breathing or coughing
• Tenderness when pressing on the affected rib joints
• Pain that worsens with physical activity or exercise

How can you differentiate costochondritis from a heart attack? Unlike a heart attack, costochondritis pain usually intensifies when you press on the affected area. Additionally, costochondritis doesn’t typically cause symptoms like nausea, sweating, or pain radiating down the left arm, which are common in heart attacks.

Exploring the Causes of Costochondritis

While the exact cause of costochondritis often remains unknown, several factors have been identified as potential triggers:

1. Repeated minor trauma to the chest wall
2. Overuse of the arms, particularly in strenuous activities
3. Arthritis conditions, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
4. Respiratory infections, especially those caused by viruses
5. Bacterial or fungal infections (rare cases)
6. Chest injuries or surgery

Can costochondritis be caused by poor posture? While not a direct cause, poor posture can exacerbate costochondritis symptoms by putting additional stress on the rib cage and surrounding muscles.

Diagnosing Costochondritis: A Process of Elimination

Diagnosing costochondritis often involves ruling out other more serious conditions. There is no specific test for costochondritis, so healthcare providers typically follow a systematic approach:

• Physical examination to check for tenderness in the rib joints
• Echocardiogram (ECG) to rule out heart-related issues
• Chest X-rays to examine the lungs and rib cage
• Blood tests to check for signs of heart damage or inflammation
• In some cases, more advanced imaging like gallium scans may be used

Why is it important to rule out other conditions when diagnosing costochondritis? Given that chest pain can be a symptom of various serious conditions, including heart attacks, it’s crucial to eliminate these possibilities before confirming a costochondritis diagnosis.

Understanding Tietze Syndrome: A Related Condition

Tietze syndrome is often confused with costochondritis due to their similar symptoms. However, there are key differences:

• Tietze syndrome typically has a sudden onset
• Pain may spread to the arms or shoulders
• Noticeable swelling occurs at the painful area
• Symptoms usually last for several weeks

How can you distinguish between Tietze syndrome and costochondritis? The primary differentiating factor is the presence of swelling in Tietze syndrome, which is absent in costochondritis.

Effective Treatments and Home Remedies for Costochondritis

While costochondritis often resolves on its own, several treatment options and home remedies can help manage symptoms and promote recovery:

1. Over-the-counter pain relievers (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen
2. Application of local heat or ice to the affected area
3. Rest and avoidance of activities that exacerbate pain
4. Gentle stretching exercises to improve flexibility
5. In severe cases, prescription-strength pain medications or corticosteroid injections

Are there any natural remedies that can help alleviate costochondritis pain? Some individuals find relief through natural approaches such as massage therapy, acupuncture, or the use of anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric or ginger. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any alternative treatments.

Costochondritis in Children and Adolescents

Costochondritis is a common cause of chest pain in young people, accounting for 10% to 30% of all chest pain cases in children. The condition peaks in prevalence between the ages of 12 and 14, with an estimated 650,000 cases annually in individuals aged 10 to 21.

• Children who carry heavy backpacks over one shoulder may be at increased risk
• Sports and physical activities can contribute to the development of costochondritis
• Hormonal changes during puberty may play a role in susceptibility

How can parents differentiate between costochondritis and other causes of chest pain in children? While costochondritis is common, it’s essential to consult a pediatrician to rule out other potential causes. The doctor will perform a thorough examination and may order tests to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Prevention Strategies for Costochondritis

While it may not always be possible to prevent costochondritis, certain measures can help reduce the risk or frequency of flare-ups:

1. Practicing good posture to reduce stress on the chest wall
2. Using proper form during exercise and physical activities
3. Avoiding repetitive motions that strain the chest area
4. Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the rib cage
5. Managing underlying conditions like arthritis effectively

Can regular stretching exercises help prevent costochondritis? Incorporating gentle stretching routines that focus on the chest and upper body can improve flexibility and potentially reduce the risk of developing costochondritis. However, it’s important to perform these exercises correctly to avoid exacerbating any existing issues.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Chest Pain

While costochondritis is generally not serious, any chest pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, especially if accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• High fever that doesn’t respond to fever reducers
• Signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pus at the site of pain
• Persistent pain despite over-the-counter medications
• Nausea, sweating, or pain radiating to the left arm

When should you go to the emergency room for chest pain? If you experience severe, persistent chest pain, especially if accompanied by symptoms like nausea, sweating, or arm pain, seek immediate medical attention as these could be signs of a heart attack.

Understanding the Long-Term Outlook for Costochondritis

For most individuals, the prognosis for costochondritis is positive. The condition typically resolves on its own within a few weeks to months, even without treatment. However, in some cases, symptoms may persist or recur, requiring ongoing management.

Can costochondritis become a chronic condition? While less common, some individuals may experience chronic or recurrent costochondritis. In these cases, working closely with a healthcare provider to develop a long-term management plan is crucial for maintaining quality of life and minimizing pain.

Costochondritis and Its Impact on Daily Life

Living with costochondritis can be challenging, as the pain and discomfort can affect various aspects of daily life. Understanding how to manage the condition effectively is key to minimizing its impact:

• Adapting work environments to reduce strain on the chest area
• Modifying exercise routines to avoid exacerbating symptoms
• Learning stress management techniques to reduce tension in the chest muscles
• Educating family and friends about the condition to foster understanding and support

How can individuals with costochondritis maintain an active lifestyle? While it’s important to avoid activities that worsen symptoms, staying active can be beneficial. Low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, or gentle yoga can help maintain fitness without putting undue stress on the affected areas.

The Role of Mental Health in Managing Costochondritis

The persistent pain and limitations associated with costochondritis can take a toll on mental health. It’s not uncommon for individuals with chronic pain conditions to experience:

• Anxiety about recurring symptoms
• Depression due to limitations in daily activities
• Frustration with the diagnostic process or treatment efficacy

How can individuals cope with the emotional aspects of living with costochondritis? Seeking support through counseling, joining support groups, or practicing mindfulness techniques can be helpful in managing the psychological impact of chronic pain conditions like costochondritis.

Advances in Costochondritis Research and Treatment

While costochondritis is a well-recognized condition, ongoing research continues to improve our understanding and treatment approaches:

1. Investigation into the underlying mechanisms of inflammation in costochondritis
2. Exploration of new pain management techniques, including targeted therapies
3. Studies on the effectiveness of alternative treatments like acupuncture or ultrasound therapy
4. Research into potential genetic factors that may increase susceptibility to costochondritis

Are there any promising new treatments on the horizon for costochondritis? While research is ongoing, some emerging therapies show potential, including regenerative medicine approaches and advanced pain management techniques. However, these are still in the experimental stages and require further study before becoming widely available.

The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis in Chest Pain Cases

Given the similarity of costochondritis symptoms to those of more serious conditions, accurate diagnosis is crucial. Healthcare providers must be vigilant in their assessment to ensure proper treatment and avoid unnecessary anxiety for patients.

Why is it challenging to diagnose costochondritis definitively? The lack of a specific diagnostic test for costochondritis means that healthcare providers must rely on a combination of physical examination, patient history, and exclusion of other conditions to reach a diagnosis. This process can sometimes be time-consuming and may require multiple tests or consultations.

Costochondritis in Special Populations

While costochondritis can affect anyone, certain groups may have unique considerations:

• Pregnant women may experience costochondritis due to changes in posture and body mechanics
• Athletes, especially those in sports involving repetitive upper body movements, may be at higher risk
• Individuals with autoimmune disorders may have an increased susceptibility to costochondritis

How does the management of costochondritis differ in these special populations? Treatment approaches may need to be tailored to account for factors such as pregnancy, athletic performance requirements, or interactions with other medical conditions and treatments.

The Economic Impact of Costochondritis

While often overlooked, the economic impact of costochondritis can be significant:

• Direct medical costs for diagnosis and treatment
• Lost productivity due to work absences or reduced capacity
• Potential long-term healthcare costs for chronic cases

How can the economic burden of costochondritis be mitigated? Early diagnosis, effective treatment, and appropriate workplace accommodations can help reduce the financial impact on individuals and healthcare systems.

Costochondritis and Related Musculoskeletal Conditions

Understanding the relationship between costochondritis and other musculoskeletal conditions can provide valuable insights into management and prevention:

1. Fibromyalgia, which can co-occur with costochondritis
2. Thoracic outlet syndrome, which may present with similar chest pain
3. Slipping rib syndrome, another cause of chest wall pain
4. Ankylosing spondylitis, which can affect the rib cage and sternum

How does the presence of related conditions affect the treatment of costochondritis? When costochondritis co-exists with other musculoskeletal conditions, a comprehensive treatment approach addressing all aspects of pain and inflammation may be necessary for optimal outcomes.

The Role of Imaging in Costochondritis Diagnosis

While imaging studies are not typically used to diagnose costochondritis directly, they play a crucial role in ruling out other conditions:

• Chest X-rays to examine bone structure and lung health
• CT scans for a more detailed view of the chest wall and surrounding tissues
• MRI scans to assess soft tissue inflammation in complex cases
• Bone scans to identify areas of increased bone activity or inflammation

When are advanced imaging techniques necessary in the evaluation of suspected costochondritis? Advanced imaging may be recommended in cases where symptoms are severe, persistent, or atypical, or when there’s suspicion of an underlying condition beyond straightforward costochondritis.

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.

Top Picks

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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Pain when inhaling in the chest on the left, on the right: reasons for what to do

Almost every person who has experienced pain when inhaling or exhaling begins to think that the cause of the pain syndrome is a lung disease. However, this is not true, since there are a number of organs and many nerve endings in the chest, which begin to hurt in diseases not related to the respiratory system. It is worth learning about the reasons why chest pain appeared when inhaling, and what to do if such a symptom occurs.

Chest pain on inspiration: causes

You can suspect the presence of certain diseases by where the pain is localized, as well as what character it is and in what situations it appears. It is impossible to immediately determine exactly what caused the pain syndrome, but you can significantly narrow the search circle.

Spinal problems

Pain in the chest when inhaling often appears with pathologies of the spinal column. The fact is that there is a huge number of nerve endings in the spine, inflammation and / or infringement of which can lead to radiating pain into the chest, which will cause pain when you inhale.

Osteochondrosis

It is a serious disease that affects the cartilage of the spinal column. The intervertebral discs become thinner and less durable, resulting in a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae. Because of this, the nerve tissue is infringed, which leads to pain. If the pain intensifies on inspiration, this may indicate that the thoracic spine is affected.

Intercostal neuralgia

A sharp sharp pain in the chest during inhalation occurs when there is compression or irritation of the nerve roots that are located between the ribs. This condition can last just a couple of minutes or drag on for a day, preventing a person from taking a deep breath and causing significant discomfort. Pain can come on suddenly, for no apparent reason, often making a person worry and think that his heart is prickling, although the reason is completely different.

Broken ribs

If you have recently been injured and have chest pain when you inhale, you may suspect a broken rib. This is a dangerous condition, and in this case you should not hesitate to visit traumatologist / surgeon , because, among other things, you may have damage to internal organs. The fracture itself, depending on its severity, can provoke additional damage.

Gastrointestinal diseases

If the chest hurts when inhaling, the cause may be diseases of the digestive organs, concentrated in the upper abdomen. Options: gastro-intestinal reflux, the onset or exacerbation of gastritis, stomach ulcers, dyspepsia, and appendicitis. Accurately determine the cause of the pain syndrome – task gastroenterologist .

Diseases and pathologies of the heart

Often, when inhaling, pain appears in the chest on the left if there are problems with the heart. In this case, there can be quite a lot of reasons, and only an experienced pulmonologist will make a diagnosis.

Pericarditis

Pericarditis is an inflammation of the sac, the outer lining of the heart, called the pericardium. The nature of such a disease can be infectious, rheumatic, and also be a consequence of a heart attack. With pericarditis, not only does pain appear when inhaling on the right or left in the chest; the condition is often accompanied by great weakness, as well as shortness of breath if there is exudation of fluid between the layers of the pericardium. Pericarditis with effusion can develop into suppuration and cause compression of the heart by accumulated secretions.

Pulmonary embolism

This is the name of the condition when the pulmonary arteries stop passing blood, i.e. clogged. This is the result of a blood clot (thrombus), drops of fat, bone marrow, catheter element or other foreign body getting into the arterial bed. In this case, when inhaling, pain occurs in the left side of the chest, and the person needs urgent medical attention.

Pulmonary pathologies

There are many causes of pain in the sternum on inspiration, which are associated with pathologies of the respiratory system. It is worth considering some cases when pain may appear on inspiration.

Pneumothorax

It is an accumulation of gas in the pleural cavity, which leads to the collapse of lung tissue, from which the process proceeds. In this case, the mediastinum is shifted towards a healthy organ, blood vessels are compressed, which leads to disorders of the respiratory function, and blood circulation is also disturbed. Often pneumothorax is traumatic, and may also be the result of a spontaneous violation of tissue integrity.

Pleuropneumonia

If there is pain in the chest with a deep breath, this may indicate progressive pneumonia of the lungs, when the pleura is involved in the pathological process. Such a disease is very dangerous; along with pain on inspiration, a person notes the inability to take a deep breath, general weakness.

Pleurisy

Inflammation of the serosa of the lungs is called pleurisy and may be accompanied by pain when inhaling. At the same time, a person not only has pain when inhaling in the chest area, but also shortness of breath, coughing, a pulmonologist notes a pleural friction noise when listening to breathing, and the temperature also rises.

Lung cancer

Pain when inhaling in the chest in the middle can occur if a malignant neoplasm has developed in the lungs. Pain syndrome is a consequence of tissue growth and compression of neighboring structures. To determine why you have pain in your chest when you inhale and when you move, first contact neurologist , who, after questioning and examining you, will refer you to a specialist.

Diagnosis

If you experience chest pain when you inhale, do not hesitate to contact a neurologist. Diagnostics will include a survey and examination, as well as a number of diagnostic measures that will allow you to examine the membranes of the organs and visualize the internal structures. You may be prescribed ultrasound of a number of organs, gastroscopy, MRI , fluorography, etc.

Treatment

Methods for treating a condition in which breathing pain appears in the chest will depend entirely on the type of pathology. If you are found to have pleuropneumonia, for example, you will need to take antibiotics, often by injection. With osteochondrosis, drugs are prescribed that are designed to reduce pain, as well as massages and exercises to strengthen the back muscles. Some pathologies, such as pneumothorax, require immediate surgical intervention.

You can make an appointment with specialists online , as well as by phone 8 (812) 901-03-03.

Treatment of protrusion of the thoracic spine in Moscow at the Dikul clinic: prices, appointments

The thoracic spine extends from the collarbone to the end of the chest and consists of 12 vertebrae, designated T1-T12.

The thoracic region at the level – T8-T12 is most susceptible to the development of degeneration and the formation of disc protrusion. Degenerative changes in the discs in the thoracic region are much less common than in the lumbar or cervical regions.

Between each thoracic vertebrae is a soft tissue structure called the intervertebral disc. These discs are present at all levels of the thoracic spine. Inflammation, damage, or degeneration of a disc in the thoracic spine can cause a range of symptoms that vary depending on the severity of the problem. Disc pathology can lead to back pain, sometimes spreading to the ribs and chest or abdomen, numbness, tingling, muscle spasm, or some combination of these symptoms.

It is not uncommon for symptoms associated with a bulging disc to be similar to those associated with diseases of the chest or abdomen. That’s why it’s so important to consult a qualified doctor to get an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment of protrusion of the thoracic spine is mainly conservative, but in the presence of persistent neurological symptoms, surgical treatment may also be required.

Causes

• Degeneration or involutional wear that destroys the walls of the disc.
• Repetitive bending and twisting movements, especially in combination. These movements have the greatest damaging effect on the outer fibrous rings of the discs.
• Discs are most susceptible to injury while seated or leaning forward as the pressure on the disc shifts forward, pushing the contents of the disc from the rear side against the thinner and weaker disc walls.
• Sudden fall or injury, such as a car accident.
• Genetic factors may contribute to the likelihood of developing disc degeneration.

Symptoms

When a disc protrusion occurs, the symptoms will depend directly on the location of the disc bulge (protrusion) and soft tissue structure. Symptoms may range from mild to moderate discomfort if the disc is the only structure involved or may be more severe. These symptoms may include:

• Pain in the upper back or pain radiating to the chest or epigastrium.
• Sensory changes such as numbness or tingling if there is root compression.
• Muscle spasm and changes in posture in response to injury.
• Loss of range of motion, inability to bend, stand upright or sit
• Sitting and tilting can be difficult if the protrusion is large. Often the patient will be in an unnatural position and have difficulty finding a comfortable position.
• The patient may be asymptomatic if the disc does not apply pressure to sensitive soft tissue structures.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of bulging discs begins with a patient’s medical history and a comprehensive physical examination. During a consultation, a physician can determine the type of pain the patient is experiencing, possible associated conditions, habits, lifestyle, motor skills, and factors that increase or decrease symptoms for the purpose of diagnosing a bulging disc.

Diagnostic methods

After the initial examination, a thorough physical examination is carried out, which aims to determine the genesis of the symptoms.

And for this, a neurological examination can be used with the study of reflexes, sensitivity, range of motion, gait analysis.

Chest pain can be associated not only with the presence of a protrusion of the disc, but also due to the possible presence of problems in the chest or abdominal organs. Therefore, vital signs are also monitored.

To verify the diagnosis and clarify morphological changes, instrumental methods of examination can be prescribed, such as:

• MRI
• KT
• Radiography
• CT myelogram
• Electromyography

Laboratory diagnostics, ECG or other tests may be ordered if it is necessary to rule out a possible other, more serious genesis of symptoms.

Treatment of thoracic spine protrusion

Treatment of a protruded disc will depend on the severity of the condition. Treatment recommendations include:

• Medication . A doctor may recommend several treatment options, alone or in combination, to reduce the pain, inflammation, and muscle spasm that may be associated with a bulging disc.
• Over-the-counter analgesics for mild to moderate pain.
• Prescription analgesics for failure of conventional painkillers.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs or prescription NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to reduce inflammation.
• Muscle relaxants to relieve acute muscle spasm.
• Neuropathic pain medications help reduce nerve damage and reduce pain.
• Injections such as facet joint injections, nerve blocks or epidural injections. These may involve injecting corticosteroids into a specific structure to reduce local inflammation.
• Rest. Avoid activities such as bending over, twisting, prolonged sitting and standing.
• LFK . Physical exercise is the mainstay of treatment for protrusion of the thoracic spine, especially when the cause of the bulging disc is degenerative changes in the spine (osteochondrosis).
• Corsetting . The use of a corset is necessary for severe pain to reduce the load on the discs and muscles.
• Physiotherapy . The use of various physical methods of influencing tissues (laser therapy, magnetotherapy, cryotherapy, etc.) allows not only to relieve pain, but also to improve tissue recovery and regeneration.

Chiropractic

A chiropractor can help identify the type of disc protrusion and also help clarify some of the underlying causes. Once diagnosed (using imaging techniques), the chiropractor will perform targeted hand manipulations to correct mobility in the motor segments of the spine and thus reduce the chance of increased protrusion and transformation into disc herniation. The exact type of adjustments the doctor makes depends on what he finds during the physical examination.

Acupuncture

The ancient practice of acupuncture can help relieve pain. Both classical acupuncture methods and modern methods with the introduction of drugs into biologically active points can be used.

Medical Massage When used regularly, therapeutic massage can help relieve chronic back pain.

Cold/heat. Local application of cold helps reduce tissue swelling and inflammation. The application of heat locally is possible only after the exclusion of infectious or somatic causes of symptoms.

Life modification in pain management

Chronic pain requires lifestyle changes in combination with other treatments (including exercise therapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture).

Correct posture

Correct posture is a simple but very effective way to maintain a healthy spine. When a person has poor posture, then conditions arise for excessive stress on the muscles of the back. Also, over time, poor posture can change the anatomy of the spine. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid slouching forward while sitting, and when standing, keep your back straight and not tilt your head while walking.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Inflammation is a natural part of the human body’s defense against disease. However, chronic inflammation can lead to the development of chronic pain. An anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce the intensity of pain. Anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits and green leafy vegetables are high in antioxidants that protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.

Surgical treatment

In most cases, the treatment of protrusion of the thoracic spine does not require surgery. But in certain cases, when there is persistent neurological symptoms that are resistant to conservative treatment (especially when there are signs of spinal cord compression), surgical treatment may be recommended.

There are certain symptoms that may cause the physician to consider surgery.