Costochondritis

In cases of mild costochondritis in the early stages, natural improvement within 4 to 6 weeks may occur with sufficient rest, application of hot or cold compresses, and the use of anti-inflammatory painkillers. However, you must seek medical attention to differentiate it from heart, lung, or myofascial pain if: ① pain persists for more than 3 weeks; ② pain is severe enough to make breathing difficult; ③ night pain is severe; or ④ chest pain occurs for the first time. If left untreated and becomes chronic, the treatment period prolongs significantly; therefore, it is efficient to receive an accurate diagnosis and begin appropriate treatment early on. From a Korean medicine perspective, the initial stage of Qi stagnation involves a blockage in the circulation of Qi and blood, but recovery is relatively rapid because the blood has not yet solidified. If the flow of Qi and blood is restored through sufficient rest and posture correction during this period, natural improvement is possible. However, if the stagnation of Qi begins to settle in the circulatory pathways leading to blood stagnation, it becomes difficult to heal on its own. If it persists for more than three weeks, it is wise to resolve the stagnant blood through Korean medicine treatment before it hardens further.