I have good news,
This condition is not serious and curable.
If you feel confident that your symptoms include Sternum pain ,discomfort and tenderness, occasional cracking or popping then you "most probably" have Costochondritis.
The biggest problem we have is to always think the worst of a situation and we try and block the thought of going for a checkup because we don't want the worst possible news... In most cases you can be helped if you go to the doctor early.
I've had this condition on/off for a few months now. I'm 32 years old and this started affecting my lifestyle dramatically because of the pain and discomfort, I coped with this every morning when i woke up and it even prevented me from sleeping on my side, i have to get use to lying on my back or stomach otherwise i would be in too much pain in the morning.
I went to the doctor and told him about my self study of the condition and I was indeed diagnosed with Costochondritis which is an inflammation in your Sternum. The known causes are from the viral infection itself or from straining from coughing, or occur after surgery and be caused by bacterial infections. But it's undetermined how i got it though. The doctor prescribed me 120milligrams of "Arcoxia" (7 tablets) to be taken 1 per day to block the COX-2 (an enzyme produced by the body) which reduces the pain and inflammation. You'll feel a difference after 1 day of treatment because it's very effective.
If you've been suffering from this problem for more than 2 years or so, then go have yourself checked out because you can be helped. We take for granted how advanced the medical professionals are today and it's their profession and mission to cure us.
If you are a victim of any problems or decease then go see a doctor, I know that some of you are scared but it's the right thing to do.
Good luck.
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Posted byXargs(FromArthritis and Joint Pain: Support Group)