Tackling Costochondritis – What Works & What Doesn’t

During my battle with costochondritis, I’ve read so many remedies. Here is a list of a few things I’ve tried. My personal findings are noted in blue italics. Note: What works for me may not work for you, and vice-versa.

• NSAIDs temporary relief, not a cure – I only use during major flare-ups
  
• Mobic (and other arthritic type medications) tried for a couple months when first diagnosed, and I’m not interested in continuing at this time. I prefer to use more natural means for pain relief and prevention (light exercise, time in the sun, a healthy diet, chiropractic care) at this time.
• Flax seed oil  Didn’t help
  
• Fish oil  Might possibly be helping, but I still have flare-ups.
  
• Sunbathing  works great for me in relieving pain short-term (half an hour in the sun is great)
• Glucosamine/chondroitin – Trying this soon
• Heat  dulls the pain temporarily but tends to cause throbbing later
• Ice   I didn’t find it to be comfortable at all near the sternum but does provide relief for rib pain in my back.
• gluten-free diet  Did not eliminate costochondritis.
  
• skilled relaxation  I think it will really help long-term, haven’t tried long enough to see a big change yet, but my stress levels are much lower.
• Massage therapy  has helped relieve stress knots, but no relief from sternum/rib pain
• aerobic exercise   no decrease in pain
• stretching   light stretching helps some, but I can easily go too far, with the result being great pain the next day
• compression wraps I do not recommend this at all. 
  
• Magnesium, B12   I take these daily (350 Magnesium, 1000 B12) and have for a long time.  
• Chiropractic care   short-term help, good for keeping pain at a minimum. This provides my greatest aid in pain relief!!!
  
• Essential oils   Helps with muscle pain, but hasn’t healed costochondritis.

Do you have any tips to share with others who suffer from costochondritis? Let us know what has worked for you (or what hasn’t) in the Comments below.

I am not a physician, and I cannot diagnose or treat. My goal is to document my findings so that others may be able to be proactive in their struggle with costochondritis.

I have learned that knowledge, research, and proactivity are key.