06/15/2026
Chest pain can be scary.
It's always important to rule out more serious causes, sometimes the source is much more mechanical than people realize.
The costocartilage (or costochondral joint) is where the ribs connect to the sternum. When this area becomes irritated, it can create sharp, localized pain that often worsens with deep breathing, coughing, certain movements, or even pressing directly on the area.
I've seen it in runners, lifters, golfers, and even people who simply had a bad cough.
The good news is that once the source is identified, addressing the surrounding muscles, mobility, and movement patterns can often make a significant difference.
Sometimes a very small joint can create very big symptoms.