What Is the Treatment for Managing Chest Wall Pain?

Chest wall pain occurs in the bones, muscles, or cartilage that make up the chest wall. This pain can arise from various causes, including musculoskeletal issues such as a strained muscle or other injuries. In some instances, chest wall pain may indicate an underlying health condition like muscle loss or digestive issues.

Factors such as violent or prolonged coughing can strain the ligaments or muscles in the chest, contributing to this pain. Additionally, direct injuries such as a blow to the chest or inflammation of the cartilage of the ribcage are commonly responsible.

Providers at Global Neuro & Spine Institute will work with patients to develop a customized treatment plan according to the root cause of their chest wall pain to provide fast and lasting symptom relief.

While chest wall pain is distinct from the pain associated with a heart attack, it is important for individuals to be evaluated for other signs and symptoms of a potential cardiac event to rule out more severe causes.

The presentation of an inflamed chest wall can vary among individuals depending on the cause. Chest wall pain often results from a condition called costochondritis, where the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone becomes inflamed.

This inflammation typically causes sharp pain at the front of the chest, which may also radiate to the stomach or back. The affected area may feel tender to the touch, particularly around the ribs and the breastbone joint.

Pain can be constant or intermittent, intensifying with actions such as coughing or taking deep breaths and alleviating somewhat when the individual breathes quietly or ceases movement.

Relieving chest wall pain depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the pain. Initially, individuals can attempt at-home remedies such as rest, applying heat or ice to the area, and using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen.

If coughing exacerbates the chest wall pain, addressing the cough may similarly improve the pain. Gentle stretching and massaging the chest wall area may also provide relief.

For persistent or severe pain, visiting specialists like those at Global Neuro & Spine Institute is advisable. Providers will perform a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis to identify the root cause of the pain and devise a customized treatment plan.

This plan may include a variety of interventions, such as physical therapy or treatments for any potential underlying conditions.

Whether or not to worry about chest wall pain does not have a one-size-fits-all answer due to the wide range of potential causes. Mild instances of chest wall pain typically resolve on their own and are often due to minor injuries to the muscles, cartilage, or joints, which can improve with self-care.

However, if chest pain spreads to the back, neck, or shoulders, is accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, confusion, loss of consciousness, or fainting, or if the chest pain is intense and centered in the chest for more than a few minutes, these are indications for emergency medical attention.

For pain that is severe or does not improve with home remedies, seeking medical attention is crucial. Even in cases of minor pain, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is advisable, as it could indicate something more serious or an underlying health condition that requires management.

At Global Neuro & Spine Institute, providers strive to offer swift diagnosis and prompt treatment to help patients achieve relief from symptoms while addressing the root cause of their concerns.

Chest wall pain treatment is available at Global Neuro & Spine Institute. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients from Orlando FL, Conway FL, Edgewood FL, Jensen Beach FL, Ocean Breeze FL, Rio FL, Palm Bay FL, Melbourne FL, Atlantis FL, Palm Springs FL, Boynton Beach FL, Fort Pierce FL, White City FL, St Lucie FL, Plantation FL, Pine Island Ridge FL, Lauderhill FL, Winter Park FL, Bertha FL, Alafaya FL and surrounding areas.