What is Costochondritis? – Understanding Muscular Chest Pain

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone (sternum). This area is called the costochondral junction. When this region becomes irritated or inflamed, it produces sharp or aching chest pain.

Unlike heart-related chest pain, costochondritis is a form of muscular chest pain and is completely non-cardiac in nature.

At Rajarhat Pain Clinic, we see many patients who come with severe anxiety because they think they are having a heart problem, when in reality the pain is due to costochondritis.

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👉 Costochondritis

Common Symptoms of Costochondritis

People suffering from costochondritis usually experience:

• Sharp or stabbing chest pain

• Pain that increases with deep breathing

• Tenderness when pressing over the chest wall

• Pain while coughing or sneezing

• Discomfort while moving the upper body

• Localized pain near the ribs or sternum

This type of muscular chest pain often worsens with physical activity and improves with rest.

What Causes Costochondritis?

There can be several reasons behind costochondritis, such as:

• Sudden physical strain

• Lifting heavy weights

• Excessive coughing

• Poor posture

• Minor injury to the chest

• Repetitive stress on chest muscles

• Viral infections

In many cases, no specific cause is found, but the condition is completely treatable with proper pain management.

How is Costochondritis Different from Heart Attack Chest Pain?

One of the biggest concerns for patients is differentiating between heart pain and muscular chest pain.

Costochondritis pain usually:

• Increases on pressing the painful area

• Changes with body movement

• Becomes worse on deep breathing

• Remains localized to one spot

Heart-related chest pain usually:

• Comes with sweating, breathlessness

• May radiate to the left arm or jaw

• Is not affected by pressing on the chest

• Feels like pressure or heaviness

At Rajarhat Pain Clinic, Dr. Chinmoy Roy carefully evaluates every patient to rule out any serious cause before confirming the diagnosis of costochondritis.

Diagnosis of Costochondritis

Costochondritis is mainly a clinical diagnosis. After a proper history and physical examination, Dr. Roy may advise:

• Basic heart evaluation (if required)

• X-ray or other imaging

• Blood tests (in selected cases)

Most importantly, a detailed clinical examination helps confirm that the pain is coming from the chest wall and not the heart.

Treatment of Costochondritis at Rajarhat Pain Clinic

The good news is that costochondritis is completely treatable.

Treatment options include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications

• Muscle relaxants

• Local ointments

• Hot or cold therapy

• Posture correction

• Targeted physiotherapy

• Interventional pain management techniques (in resistant cases)

Dr. Chinmoy Roy specializes in advanced, non-surgical pain management techniques that give quick and long-lasting relief from chronic muscular chest pain.

When Should You See a Doctor for Chest Pain?

You should immediately consult a doctor if:

• Chest pain is severe or sudden

• Pain is associated with breathlessness

• There is sweating or dizziness

• Pain radiates to the arm, jaw, or back

If cardiac causes are ruled out and pain persists, it is very likely to be costochondritis, which can be effectively managed at our pain clinic.

Why Choose Rajarhat Pain Clinic for Costochondritis Treatment?

At Rajarhat Pain Clinic, we offer:

• Expert diagnosis of chest pain

• Dedicated pain management consultation

• Personalized treatment plans

• Non-surgical advanced therapies

• Patient education and counseling

Dr. Chinmoy Roy believes that proper awareness and correct diagnosis are the keys to eliminating unnecessary fear related to chest pain.

Watch the Patient Education Video

This blog is inspired by the educational video on “Costochondritis: A Cause of Chest Pain” by Dr. Chinmoy Roy, Consultant, Rajarhat Pain Clinic.

The video explains in simple terms:

• What is costochondritis

• Why it happens

• How to recognize muscular chest pain

• Available treatment options

We encourage all patients with chest pain to watch this informative video to understand their condition better.

Final Message from Dr. Chinmoy Roy

“Not every chest pain is a heart attack. Many times, it is simply costochondritis – a treatable and harmless condition. With the right diagnosis and treatment, patients can return to a completely pain-free life.”

Book an Appointment

If you are suffering from persistent chest pain, costochondritis, or muscular chest pain, feel free to contact:

Rajarhat Pain ClinicConsultant: Dr. Chinmoy RoyExpert in Interventional Pain Management

📞 Call us today at +91-9330583978 to get relief from pain and anxiety.