Is costochondritis forever ? had this now 8 months no relief . what can i do? nsaids and steroids don't work. acupuncture ?

Maybe not.: Pain in the ribs, can be caused by costochondritis, but can also be caused by other conditions, the most common of which is probably postherpetic neuralgia, which is due to a previous a pack of shingles. I many occasions, people do not even see the rash. You need re-evaluated. It would be helpful to hear more history. What is the pain like, what aggravates it. Is it Is there tenderness to touch?

Inflammation; no fev: Costochondritis is inflammation in a rib where the cartilage ("gristle") joins the bone, usually without a known or definite cause. Sometimes it occurs after trauma or viral infection, and rarely bacterial infection after surgery or in IV drug users. Most times the condition will resolve on its own, though sometimes it will persist especially if reinjured. See your clinician if problems continue.

Multiple therapies: First- get a chest xray to confirm that this is not anything else. Next, ask your physician about injecting the sore area with a solution of novocaine and cortisone ( trigger point injections ) Avoid any heavy lifting or carrying and avoid underwire bras. I am not sure that accupuncture will work; however, worth checking.