A dull ache in the left chest. Costochondritis ㅠㅠ

My back pain has worsened over the past two weeks. Since back pain is common when I'm tired, I have been doing foam roller stretches and waiting for it to improve, but since a week ago, I've been experiencing a dull ache in my left chest along with pain in the cartilage area of the chest that is so severe it makes a loud sound when pressed.

Even when I raised my hand, especially when I spread my chest wide, I experienced unbearable pain. Then, two days ago, I felt a stabbing pain, which made me worry that it might be angina. So, I finally went to the hospital.

The diagnosis received through various examinations and tests was costochondritis. It's a relief that it's not angina, but since it's a very unfamiliar condition, I was quite confused.

It occurs more frequently in women over 40, especially among those who do physical labor, rheumatoid arthritis patients, and ankylosing spondylitis patients. When asked if I had recently done any strenuous work or exercise, I had nothing to say. Then I wondered if this condition also develops with age, which made me feel a sad thought.

They suggest trying medication, injections, and physical therapy for the time being.

You received treatment on the first day, but since it's just the beginning, there are no signs of improvement yet.

Consistent treatment will probably be necessary~~~

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage in the chest wall and is also called costosternal syndrome.

Costochondritis causes sharp, stabbing pain in one side of the costal cartilage, and in mild cases, only slight pain occurs when pressing on the chest cartilage area. In severe cases, pain can be felt in the chest with each breath, or a sharp, stabbing sensation may be experienced in one side of the costal cartilage.

Costochondritis causes sharp, stabbing pain on one side of the costal cartilage, often resulting in a dull sensation in the left chest, and occasionally pain can be felt on the right side.

In mild cases, only slight pain may occur when pressing on the chest cartilage area, while in severe cases, you may feel chest pain with each breath, or experience a sharp, stabbing sensation. The pain may also become more intense when moving or coughing.

The exact cause of costochondritis has not been clearly identified, but it can occur due to external trauma such as car accidents, falls, or bruises, physical tension caused by extreme stress, viral infections that can cause joint inflammation, or tumors of the costal cartilage. It is more common in women over 40 years old and is more likely to occur in people engaged in physical labor or those with pre-existing conditions such as arthritis or neuralgia.

Costochondritis may resolve without special treatment, but if symptoms do not improve or if pain is severe, treatments such as medication, injections, or physical therapy should be administered.

 

As I get older, I find that I have more and more aches and pains here and there. However, I want to live without pain through early and prompt treatment.

Today, it is raining again, but I am going to receive dental treatment.

Have a day filled with happiness.