What causes back rib pain? What are the common treatments for back rib pain? Get answers to these questions and more in this comprehensive article.

Understanding Back Rib Pain: Causes and Symptoms

Pain in the back of the ribs can have various underlying causes, ranging from injuries to underlying medical conditions. Some of the common causes of back rib pain include:

Injuries

Rib-related injuries such as bruised ribs, pulled muscles, fractures, and broken ribs can all lead to pain in the back of the ribs. These injuries often occur due to physical trauma, such as a fall or a direct blow to the chest.

Intercostal Muscle Strain

An intercostal muscle strain is an injury to the muscles between the ribs. This type of strain is commonly caused by strenuous physical activity and can result in sharp, severe pain in the upper back or ribs, as well as stiffness and muscle spasms.

Costochondritis

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone. This condition can cause pain in the chest wall, including the back of the ribs, and may worsen with deep breathing or movement.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, a condition that weakens the bones, can make the ribs more susceptible to fractures, even during less intensive activities like coughing. Symptoms of osteoporosis-related rib fractures include soreness and pain.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition, can cause widespread pain in the muscles and bones, including the back of the ribs. Individuals with fibromyalgia may also experience fatigue, headaches, and cognitive disturbances.

Gallstones

Gallstones can sometimes cause pain in the back, between the shoulder blades, in addition to the classic upper right abdominal pain. This is because the gallbladder duct can become blocked, leading to pain and other symptoms.

Pulmonary Embolism

A pulmonary embolism, a blockage in a lung artery, can also cause back rib pain, along with other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and leg swelling.

Diagnosing and Treating Back Rib Pain

To diagnose the underlying cause of back rib pain, a healthcare provider may perform a physical examination, order imaging tests (such as X-rays or MRI), and review the patient’s medical history. Treatment options will depend on the specific cause of the pain, but may include:

Pain Management

For many rib-related injuries and conditions, initial treatment may involve over-the-counter or prescription pain medications, as well as the use of heat therapy to reduce discomfort.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can be beneficial for conditions like intercostal muscle strains and costochondritis, helping to improve mobility, strength, and overall function.

Medications

Depending on the underlying cause, medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, or anticonvulsants may be prescribed to manage the pain and other symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes

For conditions like osteoporosis and fibromyalgia, lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, improved sleep habits, and stress management can play an important role in managing symptoms.

Surgical Intervention

In severe cases of rib fractures or gallbladder issues, surgical treatment may be necessary to address the underlying problem and provide relief.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If the back rib pain is intense, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Some signs that the pain may require immediate medical care include:

• Severe, debilitating pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain or pressure
• Swelling or redness in the affected area
• Fever or other signs of infection

By working closely with a healthcare provider, individuals can get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for their back rib pain, helping to alleviate discomfort and prevent potential complications.

Preventing Back Rib Pain

While some causes of back rib pain, such as underlying medical conditions, may not be entirely preventable, there are steps individuals can take to reduce the risk of rib-related injuries:

1. Engage in regular strength-training exercises to maintain muscle and bone health.
2. Practice proper form and technique when participating in physical activities to avoid strains or fractures.
3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to support bone density and overall well-being.
4. Quit or avoid smoking, as it can contribute to the development of osteoporosis and other rib-related conditions.

Conclusion

Back rib pain can have a variety of underlying causes, from injuries to underlying medical conditions. By understanding the potential causes and seeking prompt medical attention when necessary, individuals can get the appropriate diagnosis and treatment to manage their symptoms and prevent potential complications. With proper care and lifestyle adjustments, many individuals with back rib pain can find relief and improve their overall quality of life.

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.

Definition, causes, symptoms, and treatment

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

People with bronchitis have swelling and inflammation in their bronchial tubes, the air passages that link the mouth and nose with the lungs.

Symptoms of bronchitis include a cough, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. People may also have trouble clearing heavy mucus or phlegm from their airways.

Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis usually clears up, but chronic bronchitis is persistent and never completely goes away. Quitting or avoiding smoking can help prevent bronchitis.

This article looks at the causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention of bronchitis.

Share on PinterestA person with bronchitis may experience a sore throat, a persistent cough, and a fever.

Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. If it is acute, it happens once, and then a person recovers. If it is chronic, it never goes away, and a person lives with it constantly, although it may get better and worse at times.

Signs and symptoms of both acute and chronic bronchitis include:

• a persistent cough, which may produce mucus
• wheezing
• a low fever and chills
• a feeling of tightness in the chest
• a sore throat
• body aches
• breathlessness
• headaches
• a blocked nose and sinuses

A person with bronchitis may have a cough that lasts for several weeks or even a few months if the bronchial tubes take a long time to heal fully.

The symptoms of chronic bronchitis can flare up regularly. For many people, this happens during the winter months.

However, bronchitis is not the only condition that causes a cough. A cough that refuses to go away may be a sign of asthma, pneumonia, or many other conditions. Anyone with a persistent cough should see a doctor for a diagnosis.

What causes a cough? Find out here.

Acute bronchitis

Acute bronchitis lasts for a specific length of time. It commonly follows a similar pattern to a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu, and it may stem from the same virus.

The person may have:

• a cough with or without mucus
• chest discomfort or soreness
• fever
• a mild headache and body aches
• shortness of breath

Symptoms usually go away after a few days or weeks.

Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis has similar symptoms to acute bronchitis, but it is an ongoing illness.

One definition states that a person has chronic bronchitis if they have a daily, productive cough for at least 3 months of the year, 2 or more years in a row.

The National Library of Medicine describe it as a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in which the bronchial tubes produce a lot of mucus. It either does not go away, or it goes away and keeps coming back.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that a person who develops emphysema alongside chronic bronchitis will receive a diagnosis of COPD. This is a serious and potentially life threatening condition.

Learn more here about COPD.

If bronchitis is due to a viral or bacterial infection, it is possible to transmit the infection to another person through droplets when coughing.

To reduce the risk of passing on an infection, a person should:

• wash their hands often
• cough into a tissue
• take extra care around young children, older people, and those with a weakened immune system

Learn more here about the transmission of acute bronchitis.

Bronchitis happens when a virus, bacteria, or irritant particles trigger an inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Smoking is a key risk factor, but nonsmokers can also develop bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis

Acute bronchitis can result from:

• a virus, for example, a cold or flu virus
• a bacterial infection
• exposure to substances that irritate the lungs, such as tobacco smoke, dust, fumes, vapors, and air pollution

People have a higher risk of developing acute bronchitis if they:

• experience a virus or bacteria that causes inflammation
• smoke or inhale secondhand smoke
• have asthma or an allergy

Ways to avoid infection include regular hand washing and avoiding smoke and other particles.

Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis results from repeated irritation and damage to the lung and airway tissues. The most common cause is smoking, but not everyone with bronchitis is a smoker.

Other possible causes include:

• long term exposure to air pollution, dust, and fumes from the environment
• genetic factors
• repeated episodes of acute bronchitis
• a history of respiratory disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Exposure to pesticides may increase the risk.

People with asthma or allergies have a higher risk of both types of the disease. The best way to avoid chronic bronchitis is to avoid smoking.

A doctor may advise a person with bronchitis to:

• rest
• drink fluids
• take over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as ibuprofen

Taking OTC medication will help relieve a cough and ease any accompanying pain. In time, acute bronchitis will go away, often without treatment.

The symptoms of chronic bronchitis may resolve or improve for a while. However, they will come back or become worse again, especially if there is exposure to smoke or other triggers.

Options that may help include:

Cough medicine: Coughing is useful for removing mucus from the bronchial tubes, but medication can help bring relief, for example, at night.

Cough medicine is available for purchase online.

Taking honey: Taking 2 spoonfuls of honey may bring relief of cough symptoms.

Using a humidifier: This can loosen mucus, improve airflow, and relieve wheezing.

Bronchodilators: These open the bronchial tubes and may help clear out mucus.

Mucolytics: These loosen or thin mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up sputum.

Anti-inflammatory and steroid drugs: These can help reduce inflammation that can cause tissue damage.

Oxygen therapy: In severe cases, a person may need supplemental oxygen to ease their breathing.

Which home remedy is best for bronchitis? Find out here.

Behavioral remedies

Other strategies for treating bronchitis include the following:

• removing a lung irritant, for example, by not smoking
• exercising to strengthen the chest muscles to help breathing
• improving breathing technique through pulmonary rehabilitation

Doing breathing exercises, such as pursed-lip breathing, can help slow down breathing, and make it more effective.

Should people exercise when they have bronchitis? Find out here.

Antibiotics

If acute bronchitis results from a bacterial infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Taking antibiotics may also help prevent a secondary infection, in some cases.

These drugs are not suitable for a person with a virus, however.

Most doctors will not prescribe antibiotics unless they have identified bacteria as the cause of an illness. One of the reasons for this is concern about antibiotic resistance, as overuse of antibiotics makes it harder to treat an infection in the long term.

Find out more about antibiotics, their uses, and the problem of antibiotic resistance.

A doctor will carry out a physical examination, using a stethoscope to listen for unusual sounds in the lungs.

They may also ask an individual about:

• their symptoms, and especially the cough
• their medical history
• any recent bouts of cold or flu
• whether they smoke
• exposure to secondhand smoke, dust, fumes, or air pollution

The doctor may also:

• take a sputum swab to test for bacteria or viruses in the lab
• check the oxygen levels in the person’s blood
• recommend a chest X-ray, pulmonary lung function test, or blood tests

The most common complication of bronchitis is pneumonia. This can happen if the infection spreads further into the lungs. In a person with pneumonia, the air sacs within the lungs fill with fluid.

Pneumonia is more likely to develop in older adults, smokers, those with other medical conditions, and anyone with a weakened immune system. It can be life threatening and needs medical attention.

Learn more here about pneumonia.

Most people with bronchitis can recover at home with rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and plenty of fluids.

However, a person should see a doctor if they have the following:

• a cough that lasts more than 3 weeks
• a fever that lasts 3 days or longer
• blood in their mucus
• rapid breathing, chest pains, or both
• drowsiness or confusion
• recurring or worsening symptoms

Anyone with an existing lung or heart condition should see a doctor if they start to have symptoms of bronchitis.

It is not always possible to prevent acute or chronic bronchitis, but several things can reduce the risk.

These include:

• avoiding or quit smoking
• avoiding lung irritants, such as smoke, dust, fumes, vapors, and air pollution
• wearing a mask to cover the nose and mouth when pollution levels are high
• washing the hands often to limit exposure to germs and bacteria
• asking about vaccinations to protect from pneumonia and the flu

Find out more about the flu and how to prevent it.

Acute bronchitis is a common condition. It can be uncomfortable, but it will usually resolve on its own within a few days.

Chronic bronchitis is an ongoing condition. If a person smokes and continues to smoke, they may develop worsening symptoms, emphysema, and COPD. All these conditions can be life threatening.

Anyone who has concerns about the possible symptoms of bronchitis should see a doctor.

Q:

Some people say you shouldn’t take cough medicine because coughing helps get rid of phlegm. Should we or shouldn’t we use it?

A:

There are different types of cough medicine.

Some cough medications are antitussives, or suppressants, such as dextromethorphan. Examples are OTC Robitussion or Triaminic. Other cough medications are expectorants, which encourage you to cough. Examples are OTC Mucinex or other types of Robitussin.

If your cough is keeping you up at night, then you may want to use a suppressant to help with the cough. If you want to cough up the phlegm, then an expectorant should help.

Alana Biggers, M.D., MPHAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Was this helpful?

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.

Make an appointment for a diagnosis

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.

Make an appointment for diagnostics

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.

Make an appointment for diagnostics

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.

Make an appointment for diagnostics

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.