Costochondritis in Musicians: Healing, Management & Prevention.

Chiropractic Care and Costochondritis in Musicians

When you think of musician injuries, sternum pain or costochondritis might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But for many performers, especially those playing stringed instruments, wind instruments, or drums, chest wall discomfort can be both painful and performance-limiting.

More musicians are discovering that chiropractic care, integrated with strategic physiotherapy, offers a non-drug, non-surgical solution for healing, managing, and preventing costochondritis.

What is Costochondritis and why do musicians develop this condition?

Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage connecting your ribs to your breastbone (sternum). It can be caused or aggravated by:

* Prolonged, forward-flexed playing posture (guitarists, violinists, pianists)
* Overuse of chest and shoulder muscles during practice or performance
* Repetitive upper body movement patterns
* Heavy instrument straps or uneven weight distribution
* Excessive pressure from breath control in wind or brass musicians
* Previous rib or chest injuries that never fully healed

For musicians, the constant tension in the thoracic spine, rib joints, and surrounding musculature can contribute to chronic inflammation and recurring pain.

The main symptoms of costochondritis are usually focused on the chest wall, and they can sometimes mimic heart-related pain (which is why it’s important to get serious causes ruled out by a medical doctor first).

Here’s a clear breakdown:

Primary Symptoms
* Localized chest pain or tenderness
* Usually felt on one side, but can occur on both
* Often sharp, aching, or pressure-like
* Pain that worsens with movement
* Especially twisting, lifting, reaching, or certain playing postures for musicians
* Pain that increases with deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing
* Tenderness when pressing on the rib joints (where the rib meets the sternum)
* Pain that can radiate to the back, abdomen, or shoulders

Secondary or Associated Symptoms
* Feeling of chest tightness
* Muscle tension in the chest, upper back, or shoulders
* Soreness after prolonged playing of instruments (especially those requiring forward posture or breath control)
* Flare-ups after physical strain, lifting equipment, long performances, or intense rehearsals

 

Neurology of Healing: How Chiropractic Helps

Healing isn’t just about reducing inflammation, it’s about restoring optimal nervous system function so the body can repair itself more efficiently. That’s right, the body heals itself.

Chiropractic adjustments can:

* Improve spinal and rib joint mobility, reducing abnormal stress and inflammation on the costosternal joints
* Enhance nervous system communication, allowing the body to better regulate inflammation and tissue repair
* Reduce protective muscle tension in the chest, shoulders, and back that can worsen pain
* Improve breathing mechanics, which is essential for wind and brass players

When the thoracic spine moves freely, nerve signals to the muscles, cartilage, and connective tissues of the chest improve—accelerating recovery and restoring performance comfort.

Chiropractic and Exercise Techniques for Musicians with Costochondritis

An effective, musician-specific care plan might include:

1. Gentle Spinal & Rib Adjustments: Restoring normal joint movement and reducing irritation at the sternum-rib junction.
2. Postural Rehabilitation: Correcting forward-rounded shoulders and spinal curvature common in instrument playing.
3. Myofascial Release: Targeting pectoral, intercostal, and upper back muscles to reduce tension.
4. Breathing Retraining: Encouraging rib expansion and diaphragmatic breathing for improved oxygen delivery and reduced chest strain.
5. Instrument Ergonomic Coaching: Adjusting strap height, seating position, and instrument angle to reduce mechanical stress.
6. Strengthening & Mobility Drills: Supporting chest wall stability and preventing re-injury.

Prevention Tips for Musicians

Prevention is key!

* Stretch your chest and upper back daily. Be cautious with regard to allowing your shoulders and chest to to collapse forward and inward.
* Alternate between standing and sitting during practice, which helps vary your posture.
* Use a well-padded, ergonomically designed instrument strap and stand up straight!
* Maintain strong upper back and core muscles.
* Schedule regular spinal check-ups and adjustments to keep rib and spine mobility optimal.

 

What Prospective Musician Patients Need to Know

If you’re experiencing sharp, aching, or burning chest pain, especially when playing, breathing deeply, or moving your upper body, don’t ignore it. Costochondritis can linger for weeks, or even months, if not addressed. It may affect your ability to play comfortably, even to play at all.

Chiropractic care offers an effective, natural, holistic approach that not only relieves pain but also addresses the underlying postural, neurological, and biomechanical issues that keep musicians performing at their best. All of this without the risk that accompanies drugs and surgeries.

Dr. Lou Jacobs, Chiropractor and acupuncturist in Portland, Maine, has been working with and specializing in the health and performance of musicians of all types, for over 23 years. His work has been highlighted in Guitar Player Magazine, and his client list is extensive. Dr. Lou is always accepting new patients and offers tele-consulting for musicians outside of Southern Maine. Dr. Lou also works with families and is board certified in chiropractic care for children and  pregnant moms. Dr. Lou may be reached by calling (207) 774-6251 or by messaging his office manager, Sandra Escobar, at Sandra@DrLouJacobs.com. 

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