Costochondritis, also called Tietze syndrome, is one of the most common reasons why people seek the help of a healthcare professional. Unfortunately, this is a condition that is often misdiagnosed because it can present in a wide variety of ways. If you are suffering from costochondritis, you may think that you need to take prescription medications. You might even think that you need to undergo a dangerous surgical procedure. Fortunately, a chiropractor may be able to help someone overcome costochondritis while also minimize complications and side effects. What is costochondritis, and how can a chiropractor help? Keep reading to learn more…
What Is Costochondritis?
Costochondritis is a condition that impacts the body’s ribs. The ribs are designed to protect the trachea, esophagus, lungs, and heart from harm. The ribs operate on hinges, allowing them to expand and contract during your breathing cycle. If one of these hinges doesn’t work properly, or if you develop inflammation within your ribs, you can develop a condition called costochondritis. This is a condition that can lead to pain, swelling, and general discomfort in the area. Depending on the severity, costochondritis can also have a significant impact on your overall quality of life.
What Are the Symptoms of Costochondritis?
Similar to other medical conditions, costochondritis can present in a variety of ways. In general, the most common symptom is pain, pain that usually gets worse when you cough or take a deep breath. This places more stress on your ribs, leading to greater discomfort. Usually, individuals describe costochondritis as a sharp pain or jabbing sensation. However, you may also feel pressure or tightness in the area. It is also possible for this condition to impact multiple ribs instead of just one.
You may also notice swelling in the area. As the condition progresses, you may spot redness or swelling over one or more of your ribs. If you are experiencing severe chest pain, make sure you seek medical care as quickly as possible. That way, other possible conditions can be ruled out.
How Can a Chiropractor Treat Costochondritis?
If you have been diagnosed with costochondritis, there are several ways a chiropractor can help. A chiropractor typically will palpate the area to determine which ribs are swollen, misaligned and causing the most pain. He or she will then use a gentle technique like Activator to adjust the ribs to make sure they’re properly aligned. This will help decrease the swelling around the joints and increase mobility while simultaneously stimulating the nervous system for optimal healing and pain relief.
With regular chiropractic care and careful exercises at home, it is possible to manage the symptoms of costochondritis, address the root cause, and prevent these symptoms from returning in the future. For these reasons, you should count on a chiropractor to help you treat costochondritis effectively.
Rely on a Trained Chiropractor To Help Treat Costochondritis
Ultimately, these are a few of the most important points that everyone should keep in mind if they are dealing with costochondritis. If you have been diagnosed with costochondritis, you may not need to take prescription medications or set foot in the operating room. Instead, you should reach out to a chiropractor to learn more about your treatment options. With the help of a chiropractor, it is possible to address the root cause of costochondritis, not only treating the symptoms on the surface but also preventing them from returning down the road. So if you or a loved one are experiencing this condition, please give us a call. We’re here to help!
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