Costochondritis is a painful condition that affects the cartilage connecting the ribs to your breastbone. This condition can cause severe pain around the chest area and is often mistaken for heart attacks or respiratory problems. One of the most common questions that new patients tend to ask is whether the pain from costochondritis is more severe at night. In this blog post, we take a closer look at this question and provide solutions that can alleviate the pain from costochondritis through chiropractic care and physiotherapy.
What is Costochondritis?
Costochondritis is a condition that is caused by inflammation in the cartilage that connects your ribs. The condition can be very painful and can even lead to difficulty breathing and moving around due to the intense pain that it causes. While the exact cause of costochondritis is unknown, it is often linked to injury, strain, viral infections, or physical activity.
Does the pain increase at night?
One of the most common misconceptions about costochondritis is that the pain is more severe at night. However, this is not entirely accurate since the pain can happen at any time of the day. Factors like breathing, coughing, and physical activity may trigger the pain, but sleeping positions may also affect your comfort level. Many patients may find that changing their sleep positions may help to ease the pain. It is important to notes that people feel pain differently. Some may experience costochondritis pain when resting, while others may have costochondritis pain constantly.
How can chiropractic care help?
Chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to alleviate pain and treat musculoskeletal injuries such as costochondritis. Chiropractors are trained to evaluate your spine and nervous system, identify any problems, and create a personalized treatment plan that helps restore normal mobility. With appropriate chiropractic adjustments, your spine can be restored to its natural alignment, which can improve your posture and decrease the stress on the chest and ribcage. Chiropractic care can also alleviate joint stiffness, pain, and inflammation, helping you achieve a higher quality of life and better sleep at night.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy helps costochondritis patients through a combination of manual therapy, exercises, and lifestyle changes. If you wish to improve your core stability, range of motion, and breathing, physiotherapy may help. Your therapist will teach you targeted exercises that improve rib cage mobility, improve your posture and breathing patterns. Additionally, physiotherapy can provide soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release, promoting optimal blood flow and tissue healing.
Costochondritis can be a challenging condition that can significantly impact your daily activities. While the pain may not necessarily be more severe at night, it can still cause discomfort and make it difficult to sleep soundly. Chiropractic care and physiotherapy are excellent alternatives or complementary options for alleviating this pain and restoring optimal function to your body. Through regular treatments, you can experience long-term relief from pain, improved mobility, and a better quality of life. Reach out to our team today to learn more about our treatment options and start your journey towards pain-free living!
