Chest pain can be alarming, and it’s normal to worry about the heart or lungs first. These must always be ruled out by a doctor, or at A&E if symptoms are sudden or severe. But once serious causes are excluded, chest pain is sometimes explained by costochondritis: inflammation at the front of the ribcage.

What is Costochondritis?

Each rib connects to the breastbone (sternum) via a small joint made of cartilage. When this cartilage becomes irritated or inflamed, the result is pain at the front of the chest. Costochondritis is thought to be responsible for almost a third of chest pain cases seen in A&E.

Symptoms vary from person to person. Some describe a stabbing pain, others more of a dull ache or pressure. The pain is usually one-sided, may spread across several ribs, and is often tender to touch. Movements such as reaching, twisting, coughing, or taking a deep breath can make it worse. Despite this, it can be difficult to pin down as aggravating factors can cause symptoms of varying intensity.

Although the condition sounds worrying, it is not dangerous in itself. The difficulty is that it can imitate more serious problems—hence the importance of careful assessment first.

Why Does It Happen?

Often there is no single clear cause. For some people, the pain begins after:

Repetitive or strenuous activity (DIY, sports, heavy lifting)
A chest infection with prolonged coughing
A knock or strain to the chest wall
Increased stress or posture changes

In others, no specific trigger is ever identified. Costochondritis can also be linked to conditions such as fibromyalgia or arthritis, where joint inflammation is more common.

Similar Conditions

There are a couple of other chest wall problems that may look or feel similar:

Tietze’s Syndrome – This rare condition also involves the rib-sternum joint but presents with swelling and sometimes warmth at the painful spot. Blood tests may show raised inflammatory markers.

Slipping Rib Syndrome – In this condition, the lower ribs (which do not attach directly to the sternum) become unusually mobile. The rib tip can irritate nearby muscles or nerves, causing sharp pain lower in the chest or upper abdomen. Movements like bending to the side may reproduce the pain.

Managing Costochondritis

The condition is generally self-limiting, meaning it often eases off over weeks or months. However, symptoms can linger or recur, and support can make a big difference.

Self-care strategies may include:

Using a cool compress on the area for short periods
Gentle activity, avoiding heavy lifting until symptoms improve
Checking with your GP or pharmacist about safe anti-inflammatory medication

Osteopathy can help by improving rib and spinal movement, reducing compensatory tension in the back and shoulders, and supporting you with posture or exercise advice tailored to your situation. Hands-on treatment combined with the right advice may help you to manage symptoms more comfortably while recovery takes place.

If you have chest pain that fits the description of costochondritis, and more serious causes have been excluded, there are ways to help ease the discomfort. Your osteopath will assess your symptoms, provide safe treatment, and give you strategies to reduce flare-ups.

Book an appointment here to make an appointment for your chest pain in Flitwick