What is nonspecific costochondritis and how to treat it

What we usually call costochondritis is specific nonspecific costochondritis, and the earliest case was discovered in the early 20th century. When nonspecific costochondritis occurs, the patient will feel great pain, especially in the chest area, but unlike angina pectoris, its symptoms are more special and require medical attention for diagnosis.

1. What is nonspecific costochondritis?

Nonspecific costochondritis: This disease mainly affects the costochondral joints, which are chronic aseptic inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum, causing tenderness in the costochondral joints of patients. In severe cases, it can radiate to the shoulders, affecting daily life or work. The pain caused by nonspecific costochondritis can be mild or severe. In mild cases, pain only occurs when pressure is applied; in severe cases, the pain radiates to the shoulders and upper limbs, affecting daily life and lasting for a long time, from several days to several weeks. Most patients do not require special treatment and can recover on their own.

2. What are the symptoms of nonspecific costochondritis?

Patients may feel swelling, bulging, and pain in one or more costal cartilages, mostly in the 2nd to 4th costal cartilages on one side, bilaterally in a few cases, and occasionally in the costal arch. The pain worsens when coughing or moving the upper limbs, and there is local tenderness. Most patients will recover on their own, but a few may suffer from the disease for months or even years.

3. How to diagnose and differentially diagnose nonspecific costochondritis?

Doctors mainly make diagnoses based on medical history and physical examination, and if necessary, perform corresponding X-rays and blood routine tests to rule out diseases such as sternal osteomyelitis, bone tumors, and chest wall tuberculosis.

4. How to treat nonspecific costochondritis?

The purpose of treatment is mainly to relieve pain, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen are used to control symptoms. For patients with more severe pain, physical therapy for the sternocostal joints and nerve block therapy in the painful area can be performed. At the same time, patients should pay attention to rest more and avoid strenuous exercise or lifting heavy objects.