[cozoDOP2]

I have had chest pain for like 1 week + already and today I went to dr. She said she thinks I have Costochondritis and that the only thing to do is take pain meds(advil, etc).

Is that all I can do? It's difficult to lay down and sleep, and move. Reallly difficult. Even laughing causes pain.
I'm 31 male

[ramuthukuda]

Chostochondritis of the chest is the inflammation of the joint between rib & breast bone, it can be a cause of systemic (affecting every part of the body )diseases like "Arthritis". Pain killers reduces the pain as well as it reduces inflammation (anti inflamatory effect of the drug)
Other things might help are 1. local pain relife &/or anti inflamatory drugs - can apply over the painful area which give quick relife with less side effects, 2.heat may relive the pain & cold weather may aggravate it 3. give a rest to the affected joint, as in chostochondritis you get a rest complelety.
If it is persisting - look for other causes ( see the doc)
If affecting other joints too - see the doc

[The_Orical]

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the junctions where the upper ribs join with the cartilage that holds them to the breastbone or sternum. It is in fact an inflammation of the connective tissue between the breastbone and the ribs.
The pain may be more noticeable in sitting or reclining positions, and stress is known to aggravate it. The fact is that costochondritis is a relatively harmless condition and usually goes away without treatment. It is never accompanied with swelling. The inflammation can involve cartilage areas on both sides of the sternum, but usually is on one side only. It is a very similar condition to a disease called Tietze's syndrome, with only one difference - Tietze's includes swelling. The discomfort of costochondritis often lasts a few days only.As for the answer to your question there's really little you can do to ease the discsomfort but try these ideas.
For many patients, it can be frustrating to know that there's little that doctor can do to treat their costochondritis associated pain. To help relieve the pain caused by costochondritis, patient should try to:

• Rest more and avoid activities that make pain worse.
• Exercise more. Although it may seem contradictory to rest it is proven that gentle exercises, such as walking or swimming, can improve your mood and keep your body healthy.
• Usage of a heating pad. A heating pad should be applied to the painful area several times a day.
Otherwise just continue with what your doctor has advised you to do.