Costochondritis

Costochondritis — inflammation where the ribs meet the sternum — causes chest pain that can mimic cardiac symptoms. Thoracic spine and rib chiropractic correction resolves most cases that anti-inflammatories cannot.

What Is Costochondritis?

Costochondritis is inflammation of the costal cartilage — the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum. It causes localized chest wall tenderness and pain that can mimic cardiac chest pain, causing significant patient anxiety. The pain is typically reproducible on palpation and worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or specific trunk movements. Thoracic spine subluxation and rib head dysfunction are frequent structural contributors — abnormal rib mechanics stress the costochondral junction. Posterior rib head corrections relieve tension on the anterior cartilage.

Common Symptoms

Sharp or aching chest wall pain, usually on the left side
Pain worsening with deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing
Tenderness on direct palpation of the costochondral junctions
Pain aggravated by leaning forward or certain arm movements
Multiple affected ribs in some cases
Pain misinterpreted as a cardiac event due to chest location

Common Causes & Contributing Factors

Thoracic subluxation creating abnormal rib mechanics
Rib head dysfunction stressing the anterior cartilage
Upper respiratory infection with repeated coughing
Trauma to the chest wall
Repetitive upper extremity movements stressing rib attachments
Inflammatory conditions — fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis

The Pura Vida Protocol: Chiropractic Care for Costochondritis

Posterior rib head mobilization and thoracic spine adjustments are the primary chiropractic approaches for costochondritis. By restoring normal rib motion and thoracic mechanics, the abnormal stress on the anterior costochondral junction is relieved. Dr. Foss addresses the specific thoracic segments driving the rib dysfunction — typically T2-T7 — and uses gentle rib mobilization techniques that restore the posterior costotransverse joint motion. Most patients experience significant improvement in chest wall pain within a few visits, with resolution of the pain on deep breathing a reliable early indicator of improvement.

At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Foss uses Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, category-based system that addresses the spine, pelvis, and craniosacral rhythm as one integrated unit. SOT restores proper biomechanics, reduces nerve interference, and creates the neurological environment your body needs to heal itself.

Advanced Therapies We Combine With Chiropractic

For many patients, combining spinal correction with regenerative therapies produces faster and more lasting results. Depending on your condition, Dr. Foss may incorporate one or more of the following:

Class IV Laser Therapy

Photobiomodulation with a 10–15W Class IV laser delivers therapeutic light energy deep into tissue, reducing inflammation, blocking pain signals, and speeding healing at the cellular level.

Why Choose Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio?

Pura Vida Chiropractic is a family-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) clinic serving San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dan Foss is trained in Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), a comprehensive chiropractic system that addresses the whole body — not just the area of pain. We combine hands-on spinal correction with the latest regenerative technology to help patients resolve the root cause of their condition rather than masking symptoms.

We are insurance friendly with most insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Ambetter, Oscar Health, Community First, and Molina Healthcare. New patient appointments are available promptly.

Ready to Get Relief from Costochondritis?

Schedule your new patient appointment with Dr. Foss at Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio, TX. We'll identify the root cause and build a personalized care plan.

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