Pain Relief - What Causes Pain in the Sternum Or Side? Costochondritis - A Nurse's Guide

"What causes pain in the sternum or side?" is a question I'm often asked. And the first thing that always comes to mind is an injury to the rib cartilage called costochondritis. The first time people hear it they say, "What is that?" It's not a commonly heard term but hundreds of cases come into the emergency room every year. People often think they're having a heart attack. Costochondritis can also occur in the side where the ribs and cartilage connect to the rib cage.

When the sternum is involved costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage connecting to your breastbone. It's a common cause of chest pain. Mild to severe pain, tenderness and soreness near the breastbone (usually the upper left side) are symptoms, and the pain gets worse if you stretch or apply pressure to the area.

This pain can range from minor to severe. The pain doesn't go away easily and it's easy to reinjure the area. It doesn't usually hurt to continue moving around but can be painful to do so. People often seek immediate pain relief.

Your doctor will usually diagnose costochondritis by pressing on the area where the ribs meet the chest bone (sternum). If this area is tender and sore, costochondritis is the most likely cause of your sternum pain or chest pain. You want to make sure that costochondritis is the correct diagnosis and that it isn't heart-related. If you press on the areas yourself, do so very gently so you don't reinjure the area. If you don't have any other pain that radiates out to the neck or arms nor any numbness, chills or a fever than you are not likely to have a heart problem.

Do everything you can not to reinjure the area. Costochondritis often happens when people move furniture or other large items or in contact sports. Leaning over and picking up items out of reach can also cause it although that may happen with costochondritis in the sides more so.

Sometimes a rib belt can help. Make sure to stop doing whatever makes the pain worse.
Slowly return to regular activities.

Make sure to protect yourself so further inflammation doesn't take place. Sometimes costochondritis can become chronic if the area is injured over and over again. But generally it will get better in a few days. These are just a few of the things you can do to help heal faster and get pain relief.

For a nurse's little-known pain relief secrets and methods, some your doctor doesn't know, for how you can stop, diminish or control your pain and get pain relief for all types of acute or chronic pain go to http://www.PainReliefFast.com for treatments, therapies, techniques and natural pain relief

Deep Tissue Massage - Muscle Tendon & Ligament Relief

Deep Tissue Massage or myofascial release is a massage technique that focuses on releasing restrictions in the deeper layers of the muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Deep tissue massage releases chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas.

Using slow strokes and deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles not with the grain, deep tissue massage first warms the soft tissue before targeting deeper muscles groups.

Deep Tissue Massage - How Does it Work?

Deep tissue massage is both corrective and therapeutic. It uses two methods, direct or indirect and is effective in releasing deeply-held patterns of tension, removing toxins, relaxing and soothing muscles.

The direct method applies pressure to the muscle with the intention of finding resistance in the body, and maintaining the pressure until the resistance is released.

The indirect method moves in the opposite direction of the resistance.

With both techniques the amount of pressure applied is dependent on the amount of resistance.

Fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms are all used with long, slow strokes.

Because of the focus on a specific area some clients find deep tissue massage uncomfortable and it may
cause some soreness during or after.

Providing the massage is carried out correctly any soreness should disappear in a day or two.

Deep tissue massage does not require great strength, nor does it need to be painful and applying pressure for the sake of it can be ineffectual if done incorrectly.

Of the two methods, direct and indirect, there are many different combinations.

Some of the more well known include:-

o Polarity Therapy

o Thai Massage

o Triggerpoint Therapy

What are the benefits of a Deep Tissue Massage?

Unlike a regular relaxation massage, deep tissue massage works effectively on the skeletal structures that lie deep within the body.

Many people seek a deep tissue massage to help in treating crippling diseases, muscle, tendon and ligament injuries.

When muscles are stressed, they block oxygen and nutrients, leading to inflammation that builds up toxins in the muscle tissue.

Through controlled manual manipulation, deep tissue massage breaks down scar tissue and crystallization, loosens muscles, releases toxins and allows blood and oxygen to circulate properly.

It is important to drink plenty of water afterwards to flush away the toxins released during massage.

The key benefits of deep tissue massage include:

o Elimination of the blocks that cause muscle tightness

o Increases circulation of blood, lymph, cerebro-spinal and interstitial fluids

o Can resolve many chronic pain patterns by releasing deeply held emotions that cause tension

o Helps improve the functioning of the internal organs and any associated symptoms or diseases

o Improves posture and mobility

o Helps to reduce tension and the automatic reflexes to stress

How effective is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage can be very effective, but one has to be realistic about how much can be achieved in one session.

Simply asking for more pressure and thinking that if the therapist pushes hard enough, all tension will be released within an hour is unrealistic.

Chronic knots and tension built up over a lifetime can only be addressed with a series of treatments.

Most therapists will offer advice on a program that includes exercise, work on your posture, relaxation techniques and a regular program of massage.

Is Deep Tissue Massage Safe for Everyone?
As with most massage treatments, deep tissue massage is not recommended for certain people.

Massage should not be done directly over bruised or inflamed skin, open wounds, tumors, areas of recent fracture, abdominal hernia, rashes or skin disease.

It should also be avoided by:

o People with cardiovascular conditions and heart disease especially in cases of thrombosis, phlebitis and oedema

o Pregnant women and people with osteoporosis should consult their doctor before considering a massage

o Immediately after surgery

o Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor

Deep Tissue Massage - Choosing a Therapist

When considering a deep tissue massage, ensure you choose a therapist you feel comfortable with and one that comes from a reputable organization.

Salons, spas, health and fitness clubs typically offer deep tissue massage, or you contact a mobile spa and have a deep tissue massage in the comfort of your own home.

For More FREE info

On the benefits of massage, the different types available from experienced masseurs visit http://www.privatelyyours.co.uk.

Stress Relief - 5 Ways to Get It

I'm sure you know what I mean when I tell what its like to have a knot the size of a watermelon in your stomach. It twists and turns and just wont let go. You're stressed out one more time this week and you need to find a bit of relief. Here are 7 ways that you can get some stress relief, I'm sure will help you out.

1. If you're really stressed take a time out and go find a place to relax. Lie down for a while , breathe and clear your mind. Then when you go back to what you were doing you will be able to focus better.

2. This is something I do quite often when something is stressing me out... I sleep on it. Stress causes an incredible strain on the body both physically and mentally. I find that mental stress can actually tire you out more than physical stress. But once you get some sleep you wake up refreshed and stress free.

3. Eat cleaner and by that I mean more nutrient dense food. Fruits and vegetables are nature's food. They help support the body's functions. You should avoid junkfood and stimulants such as coffee or soda as they contribute to higher stress levels.

4. Turn off the tv, radio and no newspapers. Although we may never think about it, the world that is going on around us can be a great stress factor in our lives. Watching, listening or reading about murder, terrorism and other forms of violence cannot possible create anything positive for us in our lives. So why do it? Try to just take one day without media in your life and you will see the difference it can make.

5. Try to find some balance in your life. Too much of any one thing is never good. If you work too much then try spending more time with family or friends. Maybe you can help out other people with something. Try to take life on day at a time.

Dan Desjardins
PO Box 151, Charlton, Ontario
Canada P0J 1B0

URL: http://www.headingforhealthy.com

Email: dan@headingforhealthy.com

"KEEP HEADING FOR HEALTHY!"

Dan is a certified personal trainer who has helped people with their fitness goals as well as provide advice on disease, nutrition, training and supplementation. While making some major changes is his life he learned better ways of creating and sustaining change and would like to pass that knowledge on to others.