Chest wall pain is a common condition, causing discomfort and sometimes even severe pain in the chest area. The chest wall is composed of several structures, including the ribs, muscles, and cartilage, which can all be sources of pain.
Causes of Chest Wall Pain
Chest wall pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Muscle strain: Overuse or injury to the muscles of the chest wall can cause pain.
- Rib injury: Fractures or other injuries to the ribs can cause chest wall pain.
- Costochondritis: Inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone can cause pain in the chest wall.
- Arthritis: Arthritis can cause inflammation of the joints between the ribs and the breastbone, leading to chest wall pain.
- Nerve damage: Damage to the nerves that supply the chest wall can cause pain.
Symptoms of Chest Wall Pain
The symptoms of chest wall pain can vary depending on the underlying cause, but often include:
- Pain or discomfort in the chest area
- Pain that worsens with movement or deep breathing
- Tenderness when pressure is applied to the chest wall
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
Chest Wall Pain Treatment
Treatment options for chest wall pain depend on the underlying cause, but often include:
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help to manage mild to moderate pain. In more severe cases, prescription medications may be necessary.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to improve strength and flexibility in the muscles of the chest wall, reducing the risk of further injury.
- Injection therapies: Corticosteroid injections and nerve blocks can help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the chest wall.
Most interventional pain procedures are done at the onsite procedure suite.
Don’t let chest wall pain keep you from living your life. Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center is dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care to help you achieve pain relief and improve your overall well-being. Call Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center or book an appointment online today.