EDS Fact 7 - What is Costochondritis?

We've all gotten a "stitch in our side" from time to time. Costochondritis is not the same at all. For any who have experienced it to say that this isn't fun is a gross understatement.

Costochondritis (kos-toe-kon-DRY-tis) is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum). Pain caused by costochondritis might mimic that of a heart attack or other heart conditions.
Costochondritis is sometimes known as chest wall pain, costosternal syndrome or costosternal chondrodynia. Sometimes, swelling accompanies the pain (Tietze syndrome).
Costochondritis usually has no apparent cause. Treatment focuses on easing your pain while you wait for the condition to improve on its own, which can take several weeks or longer.
Costochondritis usually goes away on its own, although it might last for several weeks or longer. Treatment focuses on pain relief.

Source - http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/costochondritis/basics/definition/con-20024454

Nothing quite explains what most of us experience with EDS more than the statement above "usually has no apparent cause". There is nothing quite like an incredibly sharp pain in and around your ribs with no apparent cause. The first time that you experience such a thing you immediately think heart attack. Even for us zebras, we look for horses first. After you've had this problem a few times and they tell you that you're completely healthy it can get somewhat annoying.

We are not imagining things, really we aren't, but like so much in EDS there is not much that can be done about it. Treatment of Costochondritis consists of symptom management techniques. Stretching and taking NSAIDS (Motrin IB, etc.) are the most common suggestions for treatment. If it is more severe there are other measures that doctors will take in an attempt to make us more comfortable. And you thought that we kept NSAIDS around just because we like them? More like it's because they help us get through the day!