The ER doc says I have costochondritis!

Dear Ask The Doctor: How do I treat this quicker? I am tired of it I am only 14 year old female I may have did it in my sleep and woke up with it (I move A LOT in my sleep. To make it all worse I have a sever sinus infection. It there away it sleep, what meds help it, what should i do? I have been to 5 docs and so many test on my hart and brain etc and everything is perfect. Help I want this pain gone for I can go to my job interview in a few days.

Dear Jessica: Based on your brief description of the events, most likely you might be experiencing an Intercostal Neuritis or Costochodritis, which is not a serious condition but very annoying indeed and slow healing. By a spasm or a direct trauma the intercostals muscles and nerves got injured, and that’s why you are feeling that stabbing pain every time you take a deep breath, sneeze or cough.The suggested strategy would be: please, try to be patient and do not expect an overnight improvement, take anti inflammatory medication (“Aleve”, “Motrin”), and also Vitamin B12 supplement. Local moist heat helps to ease the pain. Try to avoid activities that worsen the pain.