Musculoskeletal chest pain: Causes and more
Muscle strains, chronic pain conditions, arthritis, or rib injuries may all cause musculoskeletal chest pain.
Musculoskeletal chest pain is pain relating to the muscles, tissues, and bones in the chest.
This article looks at possible causes of musculoskeletal chest pain, symptoms, treatment, and when to contact a doctor.
A muscle strain is a pulling or tearing of a muscle or tendon. Sports, injury, or repetitive movements may cause a muscle strain.
In more severe cases, people may need braces or slings to support and immobilize the upper body, or surgery to repair torn tissues.
Bruised or broken ribs usually resolve without treatment within 2 to 6 weeks. The ribs are difficult to splint, so doctors usually leave broken ribs to heal on their own.
Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs and breastbone.
Symptoms include sharp or dull pain, which may worsen with movement, coughing, stretching, or deep breathing.
Slipping rib syndrome occurs when the lower ribs become more mobile than normal. It may occur with injury to the area.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition. Rheumatoid arthritis may cause inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs and breastbone.
People may feel pain in the middle of the chest, which may worsen when applying pressure or breathing deeply.
Chest pain with rheumatoid arthritis is usually short-term, and will resolve by itself. Treatment to ease symptoms may include:
Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis which causes inflammation in the spine, and other areas of the body.
If ankylosing spondylitis affects the ribs, it may cause chest pain and make it difficult to take deep breaths. Other symptoms may include:
Treatment may include medications to reduce inflammation and physical therapy to help manage symptoms. In cases of severe joint damage, people may require surgery.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder which causes widespread pain throughout the body, and may include chest pain.
People may experience severe, sharp pain and tenderness in the chest, particularly along the edges of the breastbone.
Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder affecting muscles and connective tissue.
Myofascial pain syndrome affecting chest muscles may cause chest pain. The pain may radiate out from the chest to the shoulders, arms, and underarm area.
People will need to contact a doctor for any new chest pain, as it is important to find the underlying cause and rule out any cardiovascular issues.
Chest discomfort
Muscular chest pain may feel sharp or dull. The pain may worsen when people move, cough, or breathe deeply. Muscular chest pain may also cause swelling, bruising, or tenderness upon touch.
Muscular chest pain may feel sharp or dull. The pain may worsen when people move, cough, or breathe deeply. Muscular chest pain may also cause swelling, bruising, or tenderness upon touch.
Inflammation of the chest wall may cause aching or a sharp pain and tenderness. The pain may worsen with coughing or deep breathing.
Inflammation of the chest wall may cause aching or a sharp pain and tenderness. The pain may worsen with coughing or deep breathing.
Musculoskeletal chest pain may occur for various reasons, including chronic pain conditions, muscle strains, or inflammatory arthritis.
Treatment may focus on relieving symptoms or treating the underlying cause. People with chest pain should contact a doctor, as symptoms may mimic those of a heart or lung condition.