I was diagnosed with costochondritis after heart attack was ruled out at the emergency department of our local hospital. Probable cause was viral. I saw my chiropractor who is skilled in using special "Olympic tape" to support the sore chest area. I had immediate relief and was able to sleep in a prone position for the first time.

This is day six since I was diagnosed as having costochondritis. I was prescribed 50mg of prednisone.

See my earlier comments (Skylark). This is day 3 of my Costochondritis. I manage the pain by sitting up and moving a little as possible. I must sleep by sitting up. A male member of our household, male, 30ish, came down with the exact symptoms when he woke up this morning. Since he knew about my issue, he immediately started taking Aleve, which seems to diminish his pain. He also has pain in the neck, chest and shoulder in the same locations that my pain is localized. This leads me to believe that this is contagious, although no one has mentioned this before.

I was diagnosed with costochondritis about 10 years ago (after a spinal tap, EKG, EEG, and removing my appendix). The doctor squeezed my ribs together and it helped alleviate the direct pain. On days I know it's going to be a problem, I bought a pair of Spanx that does all the way up to the bra-line and it helps. Sometimes about pushing everything together, like a wrap. While Spanx are expensive, I've found they work while off brands don't work as well. n

After several hospitalizations for possible heart attacks, I was diagnosed with costochondritis. To my relief, it was not my heart. The doctor has recommended curtailing my physical activities until the swelling calms down. I was prescribed an anti-inflammatory medication. I have been so frustrated but finally feel relieved.

I just got home from a two-day stay in the hospital. I went through testing for lung and heart problems to find out I have costochondritis. This is a very tricky condition for the medical providers to diagnose. Thankful it is not too serious of a condition.

I've been dealing with chronic costochondritis forfour4 years now. I've had the corticosteroid shots, all the NSAIDs, and nothing has worked. The pain is severe and the only thing that works for relief is opiates. They don't stop the pain but they sure make dealing with it easier, can sleep and move and walk.

I was suffering from very crushing chest pain and couldn't even drive my car. I suspected a heart attack. All the investigation revealed that everything is normal. My doctor diagnosed me with costochondritis.

I told the doctor in the ER that I noticed I got almost immediate relief when I took hydrocodone at 500mg for occasional back pain. Since it worked, she suggested and prescribed the same drug, though at reduced strength. It worked. The pain of costochondritis was intense.

I had this for over two months and someone recommended a chiropractor and within 2 treatments it was gone.