Costochondritis is the main clinical cause of chest pain, often presenting as pain in the anterior chest area, which may radiate to areas such as the back, and may be exacerbated by upper limb activity or coughing.
The causes of non-specific costochondritis, which accounts for the majority of costochondritis, are unknown and may be related to viral infections, chronic strain on the ligaments of the sternocostal joints, immune or endocrine abnormalities causing dystrophy of the costal cartilage, and other causes such as violent impact on the chest, heavy lifting or strenuous exercise, violent coughing and sneezing.
It is a self-healing condition that mostly resolves on its own with rest and avoidance of strenuous activity, but there is a risk of recurrence.