How to treat costochondritis effectively?

Treatment of costochondritis is usually aimed at relieving pain and improving quality of life, which can be achieved through medication, physical therapy, and modifications to daily lifestyle. In severe cases, more advanced interventions may be required.

1. Drug treatment

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can effectively relieve pain and inflammation and are the first choice, but attention should be paid to potential side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort.

Local anesthetic or steroid injections are indicated for persistent pain, which can quickly relieve severe symptoms and are usually performed by a doctor under strict procedures.

For long-term recurrent pain, low-dose antidepressants or neuropathic pain drugs may be considered to regulate pain, but they must be used under the guidance of a doctor.

2. Physical therapy

Hot compress: Applying local heat to the painful area can relax tense muscles, improve local blood circulation, and thus relieve discomfort.

Physical therapy techniques: Use of ultrasound therapy or muscle relaxation massage can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Moderate stretching and exercises: Gentle stretching of the chest area, such as yoga or light breathing exercises, can help increase chest elasticity and relieve pain.

3. Lifestyle Adjustments

Limit strenuous activities: Avoid heavy physical labor and high-intensity exercise that may aggravate pain, and be careful to reduce actions such as lifting heavy objects or pushing hard.

Adjust your posture: Maintain a correct standing or sitting posture, and avoid leaning forward or hunching over for long periods of time. This can help relieve chest pressure.

Improve sleeping posture: Choose a suitable pillow and a flat, supportive mattress to avoid putting pressure on your chest.

If there is no significant improvement after the above treatment, or if symptoms such as obvious difficulty breathing and persistent severe chest pain occur, further testing may be needed to rule out other possible diseases, such as infection or chest lesions.

Controlling costochondritis requires a combination of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle management tailored to individual circumstances. If symptoms do not improve or worsen over a long period of time, it is recommended that you seek medical attention in a timely manner and develop a personalized treatment plan to avoid affecting your long-term health.