6 possible causes of rib cage pain

Rib cage pain is a common complaint that can result from many factors, ranging from a fractured rib to lung cancer. The pain may be sudden and sharp or dull and aching.

Many cases of rib cage pain are not linked to serious conditions and resolve on their own or with minimal treatment. Others, however, are medical emergencies requiring immediate intervention.

There are many possible causes of rib cage pain. A doctor will diagnose the underlying cause by a physical examination and imaging scans.

Common reasons for rib cage pain include:

1. Injury

Injury to the chest from falls, traffic collisions, and sports-related contact is the most common cause of rib cage pain. Types of injury include:

• broken ribs
• bruised ribs
• fractured ribs
• pulled muscle

Rib cage pain that begins following injury is typically diagnosed with an X-ray to highlight bone breaks and fractures. MRIs and other scans can detect soft tissue damage.

2. Costochondritis

Costochondritis or Tietze’s syndrome is another common cause of rib cage pain.

This condition is characterized by inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage. It usually occurs in the cartilage that joins the upper ribs to the sternum, an area called the costosternal joint.

Rib cage pain due to costochondritis ranges from mild to severe. Symptoms include tenderness and pain when touching the chest area. Severe cases can lead to pain that radiates down the limbs, or pain that interferes with daily life.

Some cases of costochondritis resolve without treatment, while others require medical intervention.

3. Pleurisy

Pleurisy, also known as pleuritis, is an inflammatory condition that affects the linings of the lungs and chest.

The pleura are thin tissues that line the wall of the chest and the lungs. In their healthy state, they smoothly slide across one another. However, inflammation causes them to rub, leading to significant pain.

Since the advent of antibiotics, pleurisy is much less common than it was. Even when it does occur, it is often a mild condition that resolves on its own. Pleurisy usually lasts from a few days to 2 weeks.

Other inflammatory conditions of the lungs, such as bronchitis, may also cause pain around the rib cage.

4. Cancer

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States.

One of the symptoms of lung cancer is rib cage pain or chest pain that gets worse upon breathing deeply, coughing, or laughing. Other symptoms to look out for include coughing up blood or phlegm, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

The outlook for lung cancer is poorer than other forms of cancer and is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women. People with early-stage lung cancer have a better chance of being cured, highlighting the importance of early intervention.

Metastatic lung cancer, or cancer that begins in one area and spreads to the lungs, is a life-threatening condition. It will also cause pain in the rib cage or chest.

5. Fibromyalgia

This is a chronic condition, causing pain throughout the body. Fibromyalgia is estimated by the American College of Rheumatology to affect between 2-4 percent of people, up to 90 percent of whom are women.

The pain associated with fibromyalgia may be burning, throbbing, stabbing, or aching. These pains are commonly felt in the rib cage, although any part of the body can be affected.

Some research suggests that non-specific chest pain, including rib cage pain, is the most common co-existing condition that leads to hospital admission in people with fibromyalgia.

6. Pulmonary embolism

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is when an artery going into the lungs becomes blocked. The blockage is often caused by a blood clot that has traveled up from one of the legs.

As well as rib cage pain, PE can cause the following symptoms:

• shortness of breath
• rapid breathing
• coughing, including coughing up blood
• anxiety
• lightheadedness
• sweating
• irregular heartbeat

PE is a serious condition that can damage the lungs and other organs due to reduced oxygen in the blood. Anyone who experiences the symptoms of PE should see a doctor.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute estimate that 30 percent of people who develop PE will die if they do not receive treatment. Fortunately, a quick diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.

The rib cage consists of 24 ribs, 12 on either side, and it shields the organs of the chest, including the heart and the lungs, from damage.

The ribs are attached to the breastbone, which is the long bone that runs down the center of the chest. They are attached at the front, by cartilage, which is a firm yet flexible tissue. At the back, they are attached to the spine.

The liver is located at the lower end of the rib cage on the right and the spleen is on the left. Both are given some protection by the rib bones. The gallbladder and kidneys lie just below the rib cage.

If any of the components of the rib cage, including the bones or cartilage, or the organs nearby are affected by injury or illness, a person will have pain in or near the rib cage.

Rib cage pain may occur in the chest, below the ribs, or above the naval. As there are several different causes of rib cage pain, the symptoms can vary. As a result, the pain may be:

• sharp
• dull
• aching
• sudden
• slow to develop
• constant
• intermittent
• worse when breathing in or moving

Other symptoms affecting the rib cage can include:

• bruising
• tenderness
• difficulty breathing

Rib cage pain can be attributed to many underlying injuries or medical conditions. A person should always consult a doctor in any case of unexplained rib cage pain.

If the pain or pressure in the chest is severe and breathing becomes difficult, a person should seek emergency medical treatment, as these symptoms could indicate a heart attack.

Back rib pain: Causes and treatment

Pain in the back ribs can happen for many reasons. It can result from an injury, such as muscle strain or fractured rib, but it can also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as osteoporosis, gallstones, or a lung condition.

The pain may be sharp or dull and mild or severe. Often, the pain resolves without intervention, but it can sometimes indicate a more serious medical condition that requires specialist care. This is more likely if the pain is intense or there are other symptoms.

This article looks at some common causes of pain in the back of the ribs, as well as the associated symptoms and typical treatments.

Injuries can cause back rib pain. Common rib-related injuries include:

• bruised ribs
• pulled muscles
• fractures
• broken ribs

If pain after an injury is lasting or severe, the cause may be a broken rib. To diagnose this injury, a doctor may use an X-ray or MRI.

Treatment options vary. Many people with broken ribs just need rest and pain relief medication. Surgical intervention is sometimes necessary, but only in severe cases.

An intercostal muscle strain is an injury to the muscles between the ribs. A strain occurs when these muscles tear, often due to strenuous physical activity.

Common symptoms of an intercostal muscle strain include:

• sharp, severe pain in the upper back or ribs
• stiffness and tension in the upper back muscles
• spasms in the intercostal muscles

To treat this type of strain, doctors often recommend pain medication and physical therapy.

Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage that holds the ribs together. It is a common condition, particularly in adults aged 40–50, and it causes pain in the chest wall, sometimes at the back of the ribs.

The pain may be strong and sharp, and it may get worse when the person takes a deep breath. It may also worsen with movement.

Treatment may involve:

• heat therapy
• local or oral pain medications
• capsaicin cream
• physical therapy

For many people with costochondritis, the issue improves in a few weeks. However, because the symptoms can be similar to those of a heart condition, it is vital to speak with a doctor.

Preexisting conditions, such as osteoporosis, can weaken the ribs so that they break more easily, often during less intensive activities.

Osteoporosis causes the bones to lose the minerals that they need to stay strong. With a low mineral density, bones can fracture spontaneously or when the person is coughing. It is a common condition in older adults, especially in females.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that 12.6% of adults over 50 had osteoporosis in 2017–2018. The figure for females only was 19.6%.

The symptoms of osteoporosis include soreness and pain. Healthcare professionals often diagnose the issue with X-rays. They may also test a person’s kidney and thyroid function.

Some treatment options for osteoporosis include:

• doing gentle strength training
• reducing alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking, if applicable
• taking calcium and vitamin D3 supplements
• taking medications that reduce the risk of fractures

Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain in the muscles and bones. People may also have specific tender points. Researchers are unsure what causes it, but it is more common in females than in males.

Beyond the pain, fibromyalgia often occurs with:

• fatigue
• headaches
• paresthesia, which is a numb or burning sensation, usually in the extremities
• depression
• anxiety
• cognitive disturbances, such as problems processing and remembering information

Because fibromyalgia has such diverse symptoms, doctors may recommend a variety of interventions, including:

• improving sleep quality
• practicing relaxation techniques
• starting cognitive behavioral therapy
• getting regular cardiovascular exercise
• taking medications, including antidepressants and anticonvulsants

Gallstones are hardened deposits in the gallbladder. They sometimes cause no symptoms, but they can also move and block the ducts of the gallbladder, leading to problems.

Gallstones can cause pain, especially when they block ducts. The classic presentation is pain in the upper right part of the stomach, under or around the ribs. Some people also feel the pain in their back, such as between their shoulder blades.

The pain may be intense, though it is mild for some people. It usually develops shortly after a meal and lasts for a few hours. A person may also have nausea and vomiting or jaundice. This yellowing of the eyes and skin signals that the gallstones are affecting the liver. It may also cause dark urine.

A blocked gallbladder duct can become a medical emergency. Anyone with gallstones should receive prompt medical attention for any intense abdominal pain, especially if there is jaundice.

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood vessel in a lung is blocked, often by a blood clot. A person may initially notice pain and swelling in one leg when the clot blocks a blood vessel there. If the clot breaks loose, it can travel to the lungs.

Pulmonary embolisms are serious and relatively common. Research shows that they are responsible for around 100,000 deaths per year in the United States, and this figure is rising.

Aside from pain in the back of the ribs, a pulmonary embolism can cause the following symptoms:

• coughing, which may bring up blood
• sweating
• headaches and lightheadedness
• shortness of breath
• rapid breathing
• anxiety
• an irregular heartbeat

A pulmonary embolism is a life threatening emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Typically, treatment involves blood thinning medication, which makes it harder for clots to form. A person who cannot tolerate this approach receives a different medication that prevents the blood from clotting.

Certain health conditions that affect the lungs can also cause back rib pain.

For example, pleurisy, or inflammation of the lining of the lungs, can cause pain in the chest, shoulders, and back ribs. Researchers know that several underlying issues can cause pleurisy. For this reason, the treatments are varied.

Lung cancer can also cause pain in the chest and ribs. It is life threatening and a leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S.

Other symptoms of lung cancer include coughing, which may bring up blood, and shortness of breath.

The best course of treatment depends on the cancer’s type and stage, as well as factors specific to each individual. A person may need to undergo surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

A person should contact a doctor about back rib pain if:

• The pain worsens.
• It remains after a few days of home treatment.
• It limits the ability to move.
• It occurs with a fever, chills, vomiting, nausea, or other symptoms.

People who think that they may have gallstones should call a healthcare professional and ask if their symptoms are signs of an emergency. But anyone with intense gallstone pain should go to an emergency room.

In general, seek emergency treatment if:

• The pain is so severe that it limits the ability to function.
• It occurs with jaundice.
• It occurs with trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
• The person feels very sick.
• Any symptoms rapidly worsen over several hours.

Minor injuries can cause pain in the back ribs. These injuries are not usually dangerous, and they often heal on their own.

However, this pain can also stem from a more serious health condition. This is especially likely if the pain is very intense, comes on suddenly, with no clear cause, or occurs with other symptoms. Prompt treatment can prevent serious complications and death.

Anyone with persistent or severe back rib pain should contact a healthcare professional.

What diseases cause chest pain? – reference book Omega-Kyiv

Chest pain is not a symptom of a specific disease, but may indicate damage to various organs and systems of the human body.

As a rule, it becomes possible to determine the true cause of chest pain only after a comprehensive diagnosis of the body.

• Pathologies of the heart;
• Osteochondrosis;
• Diseases of the esophagus;
• Pathology of the bronchopulmonary system.

Chest pain in diseases of the cardiovascular system is the most striking symptom, and occurs in many pathologies. Depending on the location and strength of the attack, you can determine the cause. Severe and pressing pain in the chest may indicate cardiac ischemia or angina pectoris. As a rule, pressing pain is so severe that breathing is lost and shortness of breath occurs. Choking pain occurs due to increased stress on the heart muscle and lack of oxygen. To determine the disease, it is necessary to conduct an ECG.

Chest pain, also accompanied by myocardial infarction. The peculiarity of the pathology is in the partial necrosis of the tissues of the heart muscle. As a rule, pain during a heart attack is sharp, cutting. Quite often, retrosternal pain during a heart attack can radiate to the left arm. The pain is not relieved by taking nitroglycerin and requires immediate hospitalization. As a rule, in case of a heart attack, before the doctors arrive, it is necessary to take the most comfortable position (lying on a bed with a raised torso and bent knees). This position of the body reduces pain and does not overload the heart.

With osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, the pain is localized in the chest, and often resembles the symptoms of angina pectoris. Pressing discomfort and severe pain occur due to pinching of nerve endings by intervertebral discs. The pressure is due to the loss of shock-absorbing properties of the disks.

Pathologies of the digestive system can also be accompanied by severe chest pain. In diseases of the stomach and diffuse spasm of the esophagus, spontaneously occurring pain in the chest is observed. As a rule, the pain can be aggravated by eating and swallowing saliva. Localized pain in the chest or interscapular space, but can be felt in the neck, ears and jaw.

Diseases of the respiratory system are often accompanied by pain in the chest. The main pathologies of the lungs with this symptomatology are thromboembolism, lung collapse and pulmonary hypertension. A feature of thromboembolism is blood clots that enter the pulmonary arteries and block normal blood flow. This pathological condition is accompanied by severe pain in the chest. When a lung collapses, air accumulates in the space between the lungs and the chest. Pathology is accompanied by acute pain.

In addition to these main causes of chest pain, discomfort can occur without specific pathologies. Panic is the main factor. During stress, in addition to feelings of anxiety and rapid heartbeat, there may be pressing, growing discomfort in the chest.

In order to prevent serious consequences, at the first attacks of chest pain, it is recommended to contact a medical center and undergo a comprehensive examination. Full diagnostics and experience of doctors will be able to determine the correct diagnosis and start treatment on time.

Chest pain – causes, diagnosis and treatment of chest pain

Chest pain can vary in character and intensity. The condition is called thoracalgia and signals chronic and acute pathologies. Among the causes of pain syndrome: damage to the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, pathology of the musculoskeletal system, neoplasms. Unpleasant sensations are the reason for going to the doctor in order to establish a diagnosis.

Anatomy of the thorax

The thorax is part of the body and protects the vital organs from traumatic impact. It contains the lungs, heart, large vessels. It has the shape of a compressed cone with two holes, called the aperture. The anteroposterior size of the cone is significantly inferior to the transverse one.

The cell is formed by the sternum, a semi-rigid structure of bone tissue and cartilage. It is also represented by ribs, a part of the spine and a muscular frame. Inside is the chest cavity, the central sections of which are occupied by the mediastinum, and the lateral lungs. Below are the curved diaphragm and the upper part of the abdominal cavity.

What to do at home if your chest hurts

Pain may indicate the onset or exacerbation of diseases. Some pathologies are associated with an increased risk of complications or a threat to life. The best solution when a symptom is detected is to contact a medical institution to identify the cause.

How to help yourself

Before treatment begins, symptoms can be stopped as follows:

1. Take a horizontal position. It is necessary to lie on the bed with a pillow or cushion under your head. It is advisable to avoid sudden movements and try not to be nervous.
2. Ensure air supply. You need to open the window, get rid of tight clothes, unfasten the buttons on the collar.
3. Take medicine. The choice of the drug is carried out by doctors, but you can take a nitroglycerin tablet or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug on your own. The first drug is effective for pain associated with damage to the heart muscle, and the second group helps to relieve pain against the background of neuralgia, joint damage.

What not to do

If there is discomfort in the sternum, it is strictly forbidden:

1. Continue physical activity. It is important to stop any activity immediately to reduce the risk of complications.
2. Treat with warm or cool compresses. Until the cause is established, it is impossible to heat or cool the affected part of the chest area.
3. Performs treatment without medical advice. The patient is not always able to differentiate the cause of the pain syndrome, so the drugs may be ineffective or harm the body.

When to see a doctor urgently

Chest pain in itself is a good reason to see a doctor. For some diseases, you need to call an ambulance without delay. Signs-markers:

1. Sensations arose abruptly, and the appearance was accompanied by darkening in the eyes. Also, the patient may complain of general weakness, shortness of breath, sweating, pre-syncope.
2. Pain is acute, burning, without clear localization. Such manifestations indicate heart disease.
3. The syndrome is not relieved by nitroglycerin or nonsteroidal drugs. If relief does not occur within 15-20 minutes, you should call an ambulance.
4. The patient is unconscious. This is an extremely alarming sign that requires medical attention.

Various causes of chest pain

Chest discomfort is one of the most common reasons for seeking medical help. However, the symptoms do not always indicate a dangerous disease or an existing threat to life.

After COVID-19, influenza or SARS

Infections can cause complications that affect the functioning of organs and systems. The most common discomfort after a coronovirus infection, flu or SARS is caused by:

1. Postcovid asthenia. This is a respiratory dysfunction, manifested by shortness of breath, sleep disturbance, deterioration in performance. Asthenia is caused by the pathogenic effect of the virus on nerve cells, leading to hypoxia, decreased endothelial function, and microthrombosis.
2. Neuropathy. The condition is characterized by damage to nerve fibers by a viral infection. The patient complains of numbness of the extremities, discomfort in the thoracic region a, convulsions, impaired motor functions. Neuropathy can persist from several weeks to six months.
3. Myalgia. The accumulation of lactate in muscle fibers causes acute manifestations in the muscles. Due to the localization of the inflammatory reaction, discomfort is most often found in the sternum.
4. Myocarditis. Covid-19and influenza can cause inflammation of the myocardium. Shortness of breath appears, the rhythm of the heart changes, weakness is detected. Body temperature may remain normal or rise to subfebrile values.

Pain in the center of the chest

Localization of pain in the central part of the chest refers to manifestations of the following conditions:

1. Ischemic heart disease. It is characterized by sharp, spreading pain. Accompanied by swelling of the extremities, respiratory failure and general deterioration.
2. Myocardial infarction. Against the background of a heart attack, the skin turns pale, cold sweat appears, and arrhythmia occurs. In some cases, the patient loses consciousness due to a sharp decrease in the blood supply to the heart. There is a pronounced decrease in blood pressure.
3. Pathologies of the respiratory organs. Discomfort in the central part is characteristic of bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pneumonia. A similar manifestation may indicate pleurisy.
4. Neuralgia. With intercostal neuralgia, the pain syndrome is acute, aggravated by movement, coughing and sneezing. Osteochondrosis of the spine has similar manifestations, but the source is the spine. The patient feels numbness of the skin or “goosebumps” in the affected area.

Left or right

The left side of the chest contains the heart and great vessels. Diagnostic measures include ECG and other methods to rule out life-threatening conditions, including:

• coronary syndrome;
• pinching of nerve roots and nerve tissue;
• endocarditis and myocarditis;
• deficiency of blood transport to the heart;
• aneurysm dissection;
• spinal injury.

Localization on the left indicates the development of the tumor process, diseases of the esophagus, gastrointestinal tract, the formation of a diaphragmatic hernia. Pain manifestations on the right usually signal a lesion of the respiratory system. Probable causes include acute and chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, pneumothorax. This is how pancreatitis, gastritis, cholecystitis, and liver disease manifest themselves.

When inhaling or coughing

Pain in the chest area, aggravated by coughing or taking a deep breath, usually indicates diseases of the musculoskeletal system and nervous system. However, other causes affecting the respiratory system or having an infectious nature are also likely. Condition linked to:

1. Development of pneumonia. With the disease, the temperature rises, a cough appears with sputum, sometimes with an admixture of blood. Probably difficulty breathing. Pain and cough may increase with changes in body position.
2. Neuralgia. The diagnosis is often established against the background of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. The appearance is associated with a pinched nerve. May be accompanied by numbness and decreased sensitivity of the skin. Worse after exercise or wearing tight clothing.
3. Pleurisy. Inflammatory process localized on the pleural sheets. Has an infectious or non-infectious nature. It is expressed by a painful reflex cough, a change in breathing. May be complicated by the formation of a purulent focus.

Pain in the chest and shoulder

Occurs against the background of spinal osteochondrosis and neuralgia. It happens as a result of humeroscapular periarthritis – a degenerative-inflammatory lesion of the tissue of the shoulder joint. Among the possible diagnoses is respiratory neurosis, associated with lack of air, compression, and a lump in the chest. The manifestation occurs due to myocardial infarction, against the background of angina pectoris or other heart diseases.

Radiating to the arm

The appearance of pain is often associated with irradiation to the arm. Why it can be so:

1. There are cardiological diseases. Pain radiates to the left arm with angina pectoris. It increases with physical exertion and psycho-emotional stress. Discomfort extends into the shoulder and under the shoulder blade. An angina pectoris attack stops within 10 minutes after taking nitroglycerin. The cause of the deterioration of the condition may be a heart attack. It is characterized by increased intensity of symptoms and lack of response to nitroglycerin.
2. There are spinal lesions. Usually irradiation to the left or right hand is a typical complaint for patients with osteochondrosis. It is important to exclude autoimmune conditions – Bechterew’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis. They also negatively affect the spinal column and cause pain to radiate to the arm.
3. The patient has myalgia. The condition occurs with other diseases or due to traumatic effects. Myalgia accompanies cardiovascular disorders, infectious myositis, endocrine pathological processes. It is a consequence of toxic damage or pharmacological treatment.

Pain in the chest and back

It is also a typical sign of osteochondrosis. Among other causes of chest pain:

1. Scoliosis. Deformation of the spine in three planes, debuting in childhood or adolescence. Scoliosis also occurs after an injury or for idiopathic reasons. Expressed forms are clearly visible on visual inspection. The patient has asymmetry of the shoulder blades.
2. Oncological diseases and benign tumors. Neoplasms are capable of squeezing nerve endings. The combination of chest pain with a burning sensation in the back in women is considered an indirect symptom of breast cancer. Similar manifestations are characteristic of formations in the esophagus and stomach.
3. Experienced trauma. A fall or a traffic accident can negatively affect the musculoskeletal frame. Pain in the chest region occurs with sprains, cell bruises, torn ligaments, and is also observed from several weeks to months after healing.

Radiating to the shoulder blade

The condition is most often associated with pinched nerve roots in the chest and neck. Symptoms are typical for:

• diseases of the pulmonary system;
• cardiac disorders – diagnosis of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, cardiomyopathy, congenital and acquired defects of the heart muscle is required;
• diagnoses of the musculoskeletal system – this is how osteochondrosis manifests itself;
• recent back injuries with sternum;
• blood diseases.

Aching (pulling), pressing, sharp (sharp)

Acute pain usually occurs against the background of tissue damage. It is typical for pinched nerve roots of the spine, diseases of the heart muscle, inflammatory processes localized in the respiratory system. Sensations are observed with erosive gastritis, pancreatitis, cholelithiasis. Aching and pressing pain accompanies chronic conditions, and is also a consequence of trauma. Pain can talk about osteochondrosis of the spine or neoplasms.

Breast pain in women

Breast pain can be unilateral or bilateral. A common cause is the size of the mammary glands. In this situation, the woman complains of pain localized in the upper back and in the chest area. Pain syndrome is detected after intense physical exertion due to the accumulation of lactic acid. Pain is accompanied by ovulation and the period of menstrual bleeding, as well as pregnancy and lactation. The listed reasons, as a rule, are not associated with manifestations of diseases and do not require a visit to a doctor.

The symptom may indicate a pathology of the spine, heart. Some pains occur against the background of discharge from the chest, are associated with a feeling of heaviness, a local increase in temperature. They require immediate diagnostic measures aimed at identifying:

• mastitis;
• eczema of the nipples;
• breast cancer.

After training

Chest pain after training is associated with overexertion or muscle tissue injury. Usually the situation is solved by the correct selection of a system of exercises for a particular athlete. Pain occurs due to hypoxia during intense training or in the absence of a warm-up before starting classes. If the manifestations are regularly repeated, have an acute form and significantly affect the well-being, then you should contact a medical institution. Pain is observed against the background of hemodynamic disturbances caused by atherosclerotic changes in the coronary vessels. Possible heart disease, pinched nerve roots of the thoracic region, damage to the musculoskeletal system, oncology.

The best solution in case of pain is to immediately contact an experienced specialist.

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Diseases that cause chest pain

Chest pain is considered a non-specific symptom. It is extremely difficult to differentiate the cause on your own. A comprehensive assessment of manifestations with the participation of narrow specialists is required. The following are the most common diseases that cause pain.

Ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction

Myocardial injury is provoked by partial or complete blockage of the coronary arteries. Against the background of a decrease in the amount of blood, the nutrition of the tissues of the heart muscle is reduced, which causes the destruction of cardiocyte cells. In severe cases, the condition leads to the death of the patient. The patient complains of dizziness, darkening of the eyes, respiratory and cardiac arrhythmias. The pains in the chest are sharp, squeezing, burning. They can spread to the neck, lower jaw, left arm, and be felt behind the sternum. Symptoms are atypical: slight dizziness, severe fatigue, loss of coordination.

Angina pectoris

With angina, the pain comes on suddenly. The provoking factors are stress, previous physical activity, and a heavy meal. Signs of angina pectoris are squeezing, difficulty breathing, discomfort in the interscapular and epigastric regions. Often an attack is accompanied by an increase in blood pressure. Pain in angina quickly relieves nitroglycerin.

Intercostal neuralgia

Chest pain does not lead to pressure changes or arrhythmias. Risk factors for developing intercostal neuralgia:

• injury to nerves located near the spine and upper back;
• chest pain occurs after surgery followed by a long period of immobilization;
• chemical and drug poisoning;
• inflammatory processes in the lungs;
• congenital developmental features;
• systemic infectious diseases;
• pathology of the spine in acute or prolonged form;
• autoimmune conditions;
• diabetes.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Pain in the chest occurs when the cartilaginous tissues between the vertebrae of the cervical-thoracic region are damaged. The danger of disease of the thoracic region of the spinal column is associated with potential risks for the spinal cord. Without proper therapy, the destruction of the vertebrae extends to the nervous tissue and the endings of the spinal cord. Symptoms debut brightly, with shootings in the epigastric region and neuralgia. In severe cases, the disease captures all 12 thoracic vertebrae.

Pneumonia or tuberculosis

Pneumonia causes pleural pain in the chest. Diagnosis is based on an intense cough, increased bronchophony, the appearance of dry and wet rales. Atypical forms are expressed in muscle pain, dry cough, subfebrile temperature. Pleurisy appears after an injury to the pleura in the thoracic region, due to an infection or a tumor process. Tuberculosis is also expressed by pain. The clinical picture includes sweating, aggravated at night, fever up to 37-38 degrees, weight loss.

Spondylosis, scoliosis, arthrosis

The appearance of pain is caused by a violation of the musculoskeletal system, including:

• spondylosis – wear of the tissues of the spine with degeneration of the tissues of the fibrous ring;
• scoliosis – congenital or acquired curvature of the spine affecting posture;
• arthrosis is one of the connective and bone tissue diseases that provokes dystrophic changes.

Pathologies of the esophagus

Chest pain in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is associated with dyspeptic disorders. The latter include heartburn, impaired stool, belching, flatulence. The patient may also complain of epigastric pain, aggravated after eating or prolonged fasting. Discomfort behind the sternum speaks of an ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux, pancreatitis.

Oncological diseases

Oncological formations are manifested by pain in the chest. This is a typical symptom of cancer of the stomach, esophagus, intestines. Malignant cells can be localized in the mammary gland or lungs. Additionally, the patient finds pulling pains in the back, under the shoulder blades and in the neck. Similarly, cancer of the thyroid gland and trachea is signaled.

If the symptoms do not go away for a long time, it is necessary to urgently visit an osteopath.

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Diagnostics and examinations

The choice of measures is made by the therapist. Tactics depends on the general condition of the patient and the proposed diagnosis. In most cases, the diagnosis includes laboratory samples:

• general analysis of urine and blood;
• venous blood biochemical sample;
• tests for tumor markers.

Recommended MRI or CT of the spine, tomography of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. An ECG is prescribed to exclude heart muscle diseases. Women with discomfort in the thoracic region are shown ultrasound examinations (ultrasound) and mammography.

Consultation of our specialists will help to make the correct diagnosis.

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Treatment of chest pain

Treatment is selected individually after receiving the results of the diagnosis. It includes pharmacological therapy, physiotherapy, physiotherapy exercises. Sometimes the only solution for the patient is surgery.

Conservative treatment

Treatment involves medication. The drugs of choice may be non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, cardiac drugs for angina pectoris or other conditions. For pain, physiotherapy is recommended: electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, electric shock. A good result is given by physical therapy classes according to individual programs.

Surgical treatment

Excision of benign and malignant formations, removal of destroyed vertebrae, and correction of deformities of the musculoskeletal system are carried out in medical institutions. After surgery, conservative therapy will be required.

Methods of treatment in our clinic

The main direction of our clinic is osteopathy. This is a modern trend based on the relationship of organs with areas of the musculoskeletal system. Osteopathic treatment relieves pain, starts the natural processes of cell healing, strengthens the body and restores efficiency.

An osteopath will diagnose all body systems, make the necessary adjustments and draw up a treatment plan. Also, if necessary, he will refer you for examinations or to other specialists. The specialists of our center never impose treatment that the patient does not need.

Our specialists will conduct an examination and prescribe the optimal treatment.

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Answers to frequently asked questions

First, the patient needs to contact a general practitioner for primary diagnosis. After an examination and basic research, the doctor, if necessary, will redirect to narrow specialists: a neurologist, oncologist, rheumatologist.