Can costochondritis cause back pain?

Costochondritis can cause back pain, especially if the inflammation affects surrounding nerves, muscles, or tissues. The pain may radiate from the chest to the back. Costochondritis usually presents as pain in the sternum or at the attachment of the costal cartilages, but more severe inflammation or referred pain often involves the back.

The main causes of costochondritis include local trauma (such as severe coughing, sports trauma or chest compression), repetitive strain (such as poor posture or frequent bending), infection, or autoimmune disease. These factors lead to local inflammation of the costal cartilage, and the pain may last for weeks or even months. Typical symptoms include local pain when pressing, discomfort when taking a deep breath, and some patients may feel referred pain in the back or shoulder blade area. Back pain, especially on the affected side of the back, may be caused by muscle tension or inflammatory reflex.

The main causes of costochondritis include local trauma (such as severe coughing, sports trauma or chest compression), repetitive strain (such as poor posture or frequent bending), infection, or autoimmune disease. These factors lead to local inflammation of the costal cartilage, and the pain may last for weeks or even months. Typical symptoms include local pain when pressing, discomfort when taking a deep breath, and some patients may feel referred pain in the back or shoulder blade area. Back pain, especially on the affected side of the back, may be caused by muscle tension or inflammatory reflex.

To relieve the back pain associated with costochondritis, you need to pay attention to rest and avoid excessive exertion. Patients with mild symptoms can reduce inflammation and discomfort through local heat compresses and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen); if the pain is severe or cannot be relieved for a long time, local hormone injections can be used to relieve inflammation. In addition, it is also important to adjust your posture and avoid chest and back trauma. During the recovery period, gentle back and chest stretching exercises, such as cat-cow pose and shoulder stretches in yoga, can help relieve soreness. If the pain persists and is difficult to relieve or is accompanied by other serious symptoms (such as fever, difficulty breathing), it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately.