What is Costochondritis?

In definition, costochondritis is the inflammation of the cartilage that links the ribs to the breastbone. Much of fibromyalgia pain begins with this pain. It is sudden and causes immense chest pain. Depending on the amount of inflammation a patient experiences, the pain can be mildly irritating or extremely painful. Often, people describe what they go through as burning, stabbing or aching pain. Some even relate the pain to a heart attack.

Symptoms of Costochondritis

Fibromyalgia patients often show symptoms of costochondritis which include:

• Pain in the ribcage and chest which worsens with exercise or any activity.

• Pain when inhaling deeply, sneezing and coughing due to stretching of the inflamed cartilage.

• Pain radiates from the chest to the arms and shoulders and, in this manner, mimics a heart attack.

• Pain is often accompanied by inflammation or redness, a condition known as Tietze's Syndrome.

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