When you work with a chiropractor to resolve your health issues, you engage in a form of non-invasive medicine that has been around for thousands of years.
Chiropractic care does not include prescription medication such as narcotics. In fact, chiropractors believe that adjustments in addition to diet and lifestyle changes can help their clients feel better.
Here we discuss how chiropractic care from an experienced chiropractor such as Dr. Ward at Ward Chiropractic can help you manage conditions such as costochondritis.
What Exactly Is Costochondritis?
Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage where the ribs come together. Costochondritis can happen in children, adolescents, and adults, but is more common in older adults.
The condition commonly causes chest pain although the symptoms may vary from person to person depending on the exact location of the injury.
The exact cause of costochondritis isn’t the same for every patient. Some of the possible causes include:
- Repeated or overuse of the arms such as from lifting or exercising
- Repeated trauma to the chest from an accident, sports, or a fall
- Respiratory infections such as tuberculosis
- Arthritis
- Increased stiffness in the upper back
Symptoms of Costochondritis
The symptoms of costochondritis can be similar to those who experience other health problems, including heart disease, lung disease, or even gastrointestinal issues.
Each person’s pain will be unique and can range from mild to more severe discomfort.
These symptoms may include:
- Chest pain that won’t go away on either side of the sternum
- Shooting pain down your limbs
- Pain in your back or abdomen radiating from the chest
- Pain when breathing deeply or stretching
How Chiropractic Treatment Can Help
Costochondritis may go away on its own, but for people who are having trouble managing their discomfort or their symptoms are severe, they may require treatment that helps alleviate their pain while the body heals.
Specific chiropractic adjustments to the ribs and thoracic spine—the only region of your spine attached to your rib cage—by your experienced chiropractor can help alleviate the pain associated with costochondritis.
Rehabilitative exercises can also help you recover from costochondritis and decrease inflammation and tension. Your chiropractor may suggest specific stretches, yoga poses, or an anti-inflammatory diet to help relieve your aching or soreness.
Soft tissue treatment, or soft tissue therapy (STT), may also be a treatment option provided by your chiropractor to relieve costochondritis discomfort. During this therapy, your chiropractor may use a combination of applied pressure and stretches to reduce pain.
Work with Us at Ward Chiropractic
Dr. Ward is experienced in helping patients achieve relief from costochondritis and accelerate healing. Chiropractic care can help you achieve total wellness and alleviate chronic pain without drugs or surgery.
Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Ward to determine how our team may be able to help you with your costochondritis pain. We look forward to helping you on your journey to a pain-free life!
