Ever had that sudden chest pain that makes you think you’ve been cast in a hospital soap? Just as you brace for the dramatic close-up, it turns out your ribs are simply sulking. That over-the-top ache could be costochondritis, and while it loves attention, it is rarely dangerous. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt or that you should just put up with it! Call (03) 8360 8363 today to book an appointment with one of our osteopaths at Altona Meadows Osteopathy.
Chest pain immediately raises alarm bells, and understandably so. Our first thought often goes straight to the heart. But not all chest pain originates from cardiac issues. One common musculoskeletal cause is costochondritis, a condition that involves inflammation of the cartilage where the ribs meet the sternum (breastbone). Though uncomfortable and sometimes alarming, costochondritis is not life-threatening. Understanding what it is, why it happens, and how osteopathy may help makes it easier to manage.
What is costochondritis?
The rib cage is built for protection and movement. Each rib attaches to the chest bone (the sternum) via costal cartilage, which provides flexibility for breathing and upper body movement. In costochondritis, this cartilage becomes inflamed, usually at the second to fifth ribs. The result is sharp or aching chest pain, often worsened by movement, deep breathing, or pressing on the affected area.
Recognising the symptoms
The hallmark symptom is localised chest pain that often feels sharp, stabbing, or pressure-like. Unlike heart-related pain, costochondritis usually:
- Worsens when pressing on the tender rib joints.
- Increases with certain movements, such as lifting, twisting, or stretching.
- Sometimes radiates to the back or shoulders but remains reproducible with touch or movement.
Because chest pain always requires caution, any new or severe pain should first be checked by a GP or hospital to rule out cardiac or pulmonary causes. Once cleared, our osteopaths are here to support you in managing your costochondritis.
Why does costochondritis occur?
There is rarely a single cause. Instead, several factors may contribute:
- Repetitive strain from heavy lifting, sports, or physical work.
- Poor posture, especially slouching or rounded shoulders that increase pressure at the rib joints.
- Respiratory illness, such as a cough or chest infection, which repeatedly stresses the rib cage.
- Trauma, like a fall or blow to the chest.
Stress and shallow breathing may also aggravate symptoms by keeping the chest and rib muscles tight.
Osteopathic approach to costochondritis
Osteopathy aims to reduce strain on the costosternal joints, improve mobility, and support the body’s healing response. After a thorough case history and physical assessment, an osteopath may use gentle techniques to:
- Relieve tension in the intercostal muscles and surrounding soft tissues.
- Improve spinal and rib mobility to reduce uneven loading at the costal joints.
- Encourage better posture and breathing mechanics.
Treatment also includes tailored advice on daily habits, ergonomics, and simple movements to prevent flare-ups. Osteopathy does not replace urgent medical care for chest pain, but once serious causes are excluded, it provides a safe, supportive option for musculoskeletal chest discomfort.
Self-Care at Home
In addition to osteopathic treatment, some strategies may help ease discomfort:
- Heat or cold therapy applied locally may reduce pain and inflammation.
- Gentle stretching of the chest and upper back encourages mobility.
- Good posture reduces pressure on the rib joints, especially when working at a desk.
- Pacing activity avoids overloading the rib cage during recovery.
Manual therapy and lifestyle adjustments form the foundation of long-term management of this condition.
When to seek Help
Because costochondritis mimics heart-related pain, immediate medical assessment is vital if you experience chest pain for the first time, or if pain feels crushing, spreads to the jaw or left arm, or comes with dizziness and sweating. Once cleared by a doctor, seeking osteopathic care may help reduce musculoskeletal symptoms and support recovery.
Conclusion
Costochondritis can feel unsettling, but it is a musculoskeletal condition rather than a cardiac emergency. With awareness, self-care and osteopathic treatment, many people find their discomfort eases and movement feels freer.
Call (03) 8360 8363 today to book an appointment with one of our osteopaths at Altona Meadows Osteopathy. And don’t forget to follow us on social media for health hints, posture pointers and rib-related rhymes. We’re on Facebook and Instagram.
Information provided here (including text, graphics, images, outbound links, and other material) is for informational purposes only. It is general in nature and is not to be used or considered as a substitute for personalised professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified allied health provider regarding any symptoms, medical conditions, or treatments and before undertaking any new health care regimen.
References
When needed, we research our content using a range of sources across both web and books. Regular references we use include:
- Foundations of Osteopathic Medicine, 4th ed. Seffinger et al. 2019
- Thieme Atlas of Anatomy, 4th ed. Gilroy et al. 2021.
- Clinical Sports Medicine: Injuries, 5th ed. Brukner & Khan. 2017.
- Principles of Anatomy & Physiology, 13th ed. Tortora & Derrickson. 2011.
- Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor. 5th ed. Souza. 2016.
- Physiopedia website – https://www.physio-pedia.com/home/
- Pubmed website for latest articles – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
- Google Scholar for latest articles – https://scholar.google.com/
- World Health Organisation website – https://www.who.int/
- Osteopathy Australia website – https://osteopathy.org.au/
- Australian Physiotherapy Association website – https://australian.physio/
- Chiropractic Australia website – https://www.chiropracticaustralia.org.au/
- Professional bodies websites and health conditions charity websites, like Arthritis Australia – https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/