Treatment for chest wall pain can include taking an anti-inflammatory medication and taking a heat compress. A chiropractic visit can help as well.
Chest wall pain can be caused by many different conditions. Some of these conditions are covered in this article, including Costochondritis, muscle strains in the Pectoralis major and Intercostal muscles, and lung infections.
Other causes are more complex and can be difficult to diagnose. To get the best treatment for your chest pain, consult your doctor.
What Causes Chest Wall Pain?
Chest wall pain can be a symptom of several musculoskeletal problems. It is exacerbated when the chest is moved, such as when coughing or breathing deeply.
The region that is tender can be anywhere on the chest wall or in a muscle group. The pain is typically not accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath or nausea.
The most common cause of chest wall pain is injury to the chest muscles or bones. These injuries can be sudden or develop slowly. Regardless of the cause, chest pain should be evaluated by a doctor to determine the correct course of treatment.
A doctor can recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or other treatments that target the source of the pain.
What Does a Chest Wall Strain Feel Like?
Chest wall pain may be caused by a number of different factors. Sometimes it may be related to a heart attack, while other times it may be a symptom of a muscle or lung problem. Whatever the cause, your healthcare provider will determine the best course of treatment.
Symptoms of a chest wall strain are usually self-limiting, and will often resolve with rest. Some common treatments include applying local heat to the area and stretching exercises.
In some cases, you may also need to see a chiropractor. If you feel pain only when you breathe, you likely have costochondritis. This is a non-life-threatening condition, but should not be ignored.
A chest x-ray may be needed if there is a risk for fractures or pneumothorax, or if you have significant cardiac risk factors.
Depending on the cause of your chest pain, your healthcare provider may also order an EKG or MRI to diagnose the cause. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is another common test to diagnose chest wall pain.
Although most pec muscle injuries heal on their own within a few days, more severe cases may require surgery. Some patients may require chest drains or oxygen to breathe.
Most chest wall injuries, however, are not serious and will resolve on their own over the course of a few weeks or months. Physical therapy is a good option for patients with chest pain, and can help you regain strength and range of motion.
Chest Wall Pain-Related Conditions
Costochondritis
The first thing to do if you have pain in your chest wall is to see your doctor. Your doctor can determine whether you are suffering from costochondritis and recommend the best treatment plan.
During the initial consultation, your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and recent illnesses or activities. They will also conduct a physical exam, including listening to your heartbeat and palpating your chest wall and ribcage.
The history of chest pain is important when determining a diagnosis of costochondritis. This is because there are many other conditions that can cause chest pain, such as acute coronary syndrome, pulmonary embolism, aortic dissection, or pneumonia.
Depending on the cause of your pain, your doctor may order blood tests, x-rays, and an electrocardiogram to determine the severity of your symptoms.
Pectoralis major muscle strain
A Pectoralis major muscle strain is a painful condition that can be treated using a T*Shellz Wrap. This wrap gently stimulates the muscles and tendon around the injured area to speed up the healing process.
It also provides additional oxygen and nutrients to the tissue. Because the treatment is non-addictive, it’s a safe and effective way to ease chest wall pain and accelerate recovery.
In severe cases, pectoralis major muscle strains can require surgery. However, if the tear is only partial, there are other treatments available.
In some cases, the pain will subside on its own. In others, pectoralis major muscle strains may require rest, ice, and compression.
Intercostal muscle strain
If you’re experiencing chest wall pain or intercostal muscle strain, you’re not alone. Intercostal muscle strain can be a frightening condition.
However, there are a few ways to alleviate the pain and get back to your normal life. If you’re having trouble breathing, try practicing deep breathing exercises.
Another helpful approach is stretching. But remember not to overextend yourself. Stretching the muscles too much may lead to further injury and weakness.
The most common symptoms include tenderness and pain during deep breathing and movement. The pain may increase with physical activity and may last for three to five days. If the pain interferes with sleep or daily activities, see a doctor.
A physical exam will help your doctor determine whether intercostal muscle strain is the cause of your pain. The doctor may also want to know if you’ve had a history of similar injuries.
Lung infections
Pain in the chest wall can be a symptom of a lung infection. These infections affect the pleura, the smooth layer between the lungs and the inner surface of the chest wall. When the pleura becomes inflamed, it develops pus-filled pockets.
Symptoms of this condition include chest pain, fever, breathlessness, and coughing up mucus. Fortunately, most lung infections can be treated with antibiotics. In severe cases, doctors may recommend corticosteroid injections.
Inflammation of the pleura (inner layer of the chest) may occur if the lung is infected with a fungus or virus. This condition causes the pleurae to rub against one another when the lung expands.
When this occurs, the resulting pain can be sharp and stabbing. It is a symptom of a bacterial or fungal infection, and the infection itself will have to be treated to stop the pain.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia chest wall symptoms can be very uncomfortable. They are caused by the overproduction of neurotransmitters and abnormal brain activity.
The symptoms can vary greatly, and may begin after an injury, infection, or extreme stress. It can also develop without any apparent cause.
However, it is important to visit a doctor if you suspect you may have this disorder. The symptoms can make daily life difficult, and even daily activities can lead to increased pain.
The most effective way to manage pain is to keep a diary and track the intensity and frequency of your symptoms. Keep track of when your pain worsens, and how much you need to rest.
Various techniques can help ease the pain, including hot and cold therapy. The heat will loosen up tight muscles, while the cold will ease inflammation. Avoid heavy breathing, as this can exacerbate the condition.
Costosternal syndrome
The symptoms of costosternal syndrome usually begin in the chest, and may radiate to the arm or shoulder. They may also extend to the anterior neck or scapular region.
Although not all patients with costosternal syndrome will have radiating pain, it is important to be aware of the symptoms in this region.
Before a diagnosis of costosternal syndrome can be made, other conditions need to be ruled out. Some common causes include cardiopulmonary disease, autoimmune disorders, and infection.
Lower rib syndrome
The diagnosis of lower rib syndrome and chest wall pain should be made by your doctor after careful examination. A doctor can make this diagnosis by using an x-ray, ultrasound, or MRI.
Your physiotherapist can also replicate the pain by palpating your ribs and chest wall. You can also try applying heat to relieve some of the pain. Electrical stimulation can also be helpful.
In some cases, the pain is caused by slipping ribs. This is characterized by an intense pain in the lower rib arch and chest. It is common in middle-aged adults and females, and is often accompanied by a clicking or popping sensation. Movement of the ribs can also cause inflammation and difficulty breathing.
Treating Chest Wall Inflammation
The first step in treating chest wall pain is figuring out the exact cause of the inflammation. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the inflammation and pain.
Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, which you can get without a prescription, may also be used to manage the pain. You may also be prescribed a medication that is designed to reduce the symptoms of arthritis, such as corticosteroid injections.
Chest wall inflammation can occur as a result of a number of causes, including microtrauma, overuse, or straining of the chest muscles. It can also be caused by rheumatoid arthritis or another inflammatory arthritis condition. Infections may also cause chest pain, while cancerous tumors may develop in the chest wall.
The most common symptom of chest wall inflammation is pain in the chest near the breastbone. This pain is usually sharp and often feels like pressure. The pain may increase with movement or deep breathing. It can also be exacerbated by touching the pain area directly. If you’re experiencing chest pain, contact your doctor right away.
Most cases of chest wall pain are caused by musculoskeletal conditions. Depending on the underlying cause, physical therapy and rest can help alleviate the symptoms.
However, if the pain is caused by another condition, further tests may be necessary. In addition to physical therapy and pain management, some patients may be treated with medications.
Last but not least, check out our page on Chest and Back Pain and Chest Pain When Coughing for more information.
