New and Exciting Medical Terminology

June 10, 2008 - 3:49pm
Submitted by kirstin on June 10, 2008 - 3:49pm.

Costochondritis.

“Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum). It causes sharp pain in the costosternal joint — where your ribs and breastbone are joined by rubbery cartilage. Pain caused by costochondritis may mimic that of a heart attack or other heart conditions.”

It’s pretty damn uncomfortable.

awww.

June 10, 2008 - 4:57pm
Erin (not verified)

You have that? That sucks.

Ever since the car accident if I sit with bad posture for a while (usually knitting), my chest hurts right in the middle and when I stretch and turn my neck the right way it pops. I’ve wondered if I’ve got something like what you described. Although it doesn’t seem like that should be a lingering condition.

Yep

June 10, 2008 - 7:02pm
kirstin

Yeah, yesterday morning I felt this weird pain at the base of my breast bone. When I woke up this morning, it hurt even worse so I decided to see a doctor.
I felt kinda stupid since it’s not anything bad. Still hurts, though.

I think my sister had that...

June 10, 2008 - 7:43pm
ziemendorf (not verified)

…her husband gave her a bear hug from behind, in which he tried to lift her up.

Bad, bad idea.

She still ran the triathlon though.

Cracking the Chest

June 13, 2008 - 8:17pm
Phaedra (not verified)

Sometimes when I crack my neck, my sternum will crack too. I’ve never had pain with it (just my neck and back are in constant pain!).

Will your costochondritis go away? Is there anything that you can do to make it better?

Mostly Gone

June 13, 2008 - 9:22pm
kirstin

It seems to be mostly gone unless I lie down and start pressing on my rib cartilage.

Then don't do it!!!!

June 14, 2008 - 10:30am
Phaedra (not verified)

My professionl (?) opinion is, DON’T press on it anymore!!!!

=)