The experiences we live usually have extremely powerful effects on the body. Faced with adversities that occur within everyday life, conditions may appear that affect the body and are confused with bodily discomforts. When this happens, persistent doubts may arise, such as, can bodily pain have a biological basis? Why do I feel pain if there is no type of organic origin? Although medicine does not provide the answer that would initially be expected to these questions, the truth is that it is possible that some adverse events may occur that have consequences on our mental health. In this sense, there is a type of ailment directly related to mental health that affects a specific sector of the human body: costochondritis.
In this Psychology-Online article we will explain What is anxiety costochondritis, symptoms and how to cure it.
What is anxiety costochondritis?
Anxiety costochondritis or Tietze syndrome corresponds to a type of ailment that affects the chest and that can be deployed both on a person’s back and chest. Unlike a medical condition that has a biological origin, anxiety costochondritis is linked to factors that arouse, nervousness or other emotions that give rise to this type of condition.
One of the qualities that stands out in this picture is the intensity of the symptoms, which can trigger serious complications in the development of daily activities.
Symptoms of anxiety costochondritis
This condition presents some signs that can be reflected in a person’s behaviors, behaviors and emotions. Next, we will look at the symptoms of anxiety costochondritis:
- Stabbing pain in the chest.
- Physical discomfort after exposure to moments of anxiety, stress, nervousness or anger.
- Chest tightness. Here you will find more information about .
- Burning.
- Numbness.
- Muscle tension.
- Muscle contractions.
Despite presenting some of the symptoms described, it is important to clarify that the isolated presence of any of them does not necessarily represent a picture of costochondritis due to anxiety. For this reason, it is essential that the diagnosis be made by a specialized mental health professional.
Causes of anxiety costochondritis
The origins of a problem are a key aspect to detect possible complications. It is essential to know this information to have tools that allow its preparation. Next, we show you the possible causes of costochondritis due to anxiety:
- Trauma: Injuries caused by blows can have a negative effect on physical and mental health. Among the most common situations are traffic accidents or sports collisions, among others.
- Respiratory diseases: Bacterial and viral infections cause a decrease in the immune system’s defenses. When this occurs, the excitement that takes place in the central nervous system results in elevated levels of anxiety that impact the person.
- Stress: moments of daily life that are experienced with stress can manifest themselves through bodily conditions such as anxiety costochondritis.
If you want to know more about the subject, in the following article you will find more information about the .
How long does anxiety costochondritis last?
Although it is not possible to determine a single duration of the symptoms involved, there are some criteria that allow an estimated period of time to be established. Generally, in mild cases, costochondritis due to anxiety It usually disappears after a few days.
However, it is necessary to take into account the particularity of each case to be able to offer follow-up according to the state and intensity of the person’s symptoms. In more serious situations, it may be necessary to address the condition comprehensively because the duration will be longer.
How to get rid of chest pain due to costochondritis
To relieve chest pain due to anxiety or costochondritis, you can follow these tips:
- Rest: resting and avoiding intense physical activities that can worsen the pain, as well as avoiding sudden movements and activities that require excessive effort, is essential in these cases.
- Apply heat or cold: You can apply a hot compress or hot water bottle to the affected area to relieve pain. You can also try cold compresses if heat doesn’t provide relief.
- Over the counter drugs: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with costochondritis. Don’t forget to always follow the instructions on the leaflet and consult a doctor if you have any questions.
- Relaxation techniques– Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or guided visualization. These techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress, which can help relieve chest pain.
- Proper posture: Maintain proper posture to avoid aggravating costochondritis.
- Avoid slouching and try to maintain the shoulders back and open chest.
- Avoid activities that trigger pain– Identify specific activities or movements that trigger or worsen chest pain and try to avoid or modify them.
However, it is important to note that if the pain persists or worsens, it is recommended that you consult a doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis and obtain appropriate treatment.
Anxiety costochondritis treatment
Despite the complications that anxiety costochondritis can trigger, there are some effective methods that can improve physical and mental health. Below we explain the main treatments for costochondritis due to anxiety:
Psychological therapy
Psychological therapy is a space that invites reflection of problematic situations through the construction of specific tools. In this sense, there are short-term therapies that place the focus of attention on the emotions, thoughts and behaviors that cause the symptoms of this condition with the aim of modify habits and beliefs to reduce anxiety.
On the other hand, long-term therapies attempt locate the origin of conflicts through the memory of traumatic childhood situations. From this, it is possible to adopt other solutions to anxiety or stress situations and, over time, cure anxiety costochondritis.
Psychiatric medication
In cases of considerable severity that jeopardize common activities, the provision of fuel may be a viable option. These drugs act on brain chemistry and produce body relaxation.
However, it is essential that this treatment is supervised by a professional of mental health.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Cid, J., De Andrés, J., Díaz, L., Parra, M., Leal, F. (2005). Chronic chest pain. Magazine of the Spanish Pain Society, 12 (7), 436-454.
- González, D., Sánchez Cortázar, J., De Guadalupe Gómez Pérez, M. (2022). Tietze syndrome. Medigraphic Magazine, 20 (2), 199-200.