Q I am an office worker in my 40s. Suddenly, the area next to the bone on the front of my chest hurts when pressed, and I feel a sharp tingling sensation when I take a deep breath. Is this costochondritis? Why does it occur?
A Costochondritis is a condition in which inflammation occurs in the costochondral area connecting the ribs and the sternum. Major causes include excessive use of the upper body, repetitive poor posture, and weakened immunity; it occurs most commonly at the junction of the 2nd to 5th costochondral ribs. If pain recurs when taking a deep breath or pressing on the affected area, you may suspect costochondritis.
Detailed Answer
Costochondritis is a disease in which non-bacterial inflammation occurs in the cartilage tissue connecting the ribs and the sternum. The causes are broadly classified into ① repetitive upper body overload (repeated lifting of heavy objects, coughing, and sneezing), ② thoracic tension due to chronic poor posture, ③ immune response following a viral infection, and ④ direct trauma. It occurs most frequently in the 2nd to 5th costovertebral joints, and the key diagnostic finding is the recurrence of tenderness upon palpation. Since it can be confused with heart disease, internal medicine differential diagnosis must be performed first if chest pain occurs for the first time.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
In Korean medicine, pain in the costal cartilage area of the anterior chest is interpreted as a condition caused by blocked Qi and blood circulation. The liver governs muscles and ligaments, and since the Qi and blood pathways passing through the chest are connected to the liver, stress causes liver energy to become congested and circulation to stagnate; this blocks Qi and blood circulation in the costal cartilage area, leading to recurring tenderness and tension. At Dongjedang, after confirming the site of inflammation with ultrasound, we release adhesions around the costal cartilage using acupuncture and moxibustion, and reduce local inflammation with pharmacopuncture and bee venom acupuncture. Internally, we aim for a recovery without recurrence through constitution-tailored herbal medicine that releases congested Qi and stagnant blood and promotes the smooth circulation of the liver.
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Is it possible to completely cure costochondritis? I am worried because I have heard that some people around me have it for a long time.
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Does costochondritis heal on its own? I am wondering if it is okay to just rest without going to the hospital.
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Do sleeping positions or the sleep environment affect costochondritis? I can't sleep because it hurts so much when I sleep on my side.
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