Chest Wall Pain

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

• Care notes
• Aftercare
• Ambulatory
• Español

What do I need to know about chest wall pain?

The chest wall is a structure of muscles, cartilage and bones that protect your heart and lungs. Chest wall pain may feel like it comes from your rib cage, breast, or muscles in your chest. The pain may be severe, aching, dull, or sharp. It may come and go, or it may be constant. You may also have numbness, tingling or pain that moves to your back or neck. The pain may be worse when you move in certain ways, breathe deeply, or cough.

What causes chest wall pain?

Chest wall pain may be caused by problems with the muscles, cartilage, or bones of your chest wall. Pain may also spread from another part of your body to your chest wall. Any of the following may cause chest wall pain:

• Conditions that affect the joints or cartilage of the chest wall, such as arthritis or costochondritis
• Strain or injury of the chest wall muscles
• Fractures of the ribs or vertebrae (bones in your spine)
• Herniation of the discs in the upper or middle section of your spine
• A viral infection, such as shingles
• A digestive condition, such as acid reflux or a stomach ulcer.
• An infection or inflammation of the lungs or heart.

How is chest wall pain diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask you to describe your pain. Tell your provider when the pain started, what type of pain it is, and what makes it better or worse. Your provider will also ask if you have any other symptoms and examine your chest. You may need any of the following tests:

• X-ray, CT, or MRI pictures may be taken to look at the bones in your chest wall or to check for tissue damage. You may be given contrast liquid before the pictures are taken to help providers see the pictures better. Tell the provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the provider if you have any metal in or on your body.

How is chest wall pain treated?

Chest wall pain may get better without treatment. Treatment depends on the cause of your chest wall pain. You may need any of the following:

• NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
• A cream or gel may be applied to your chest to decrease pain.
• A steroid injection may help decrease severe pain if other treatments do not work.

What can I do to manage my symptoms?

• Limit physical activity that causes pain. Rest as needed. You may be able to return to normal activity when you can move without pain. Follow directions for rest and activity.
• Apply ice on your chest to decrease pain. Use an ice pack, or put ice in a plastic bag and cover it with a towel. Always put a cloth between the ice and your skin. Apply the ice for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed.
• Apply heat on your chest as directed. Heat helps decrease pain and muscle spasms. Apply heat for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours for as many days as directed.
• Go to physical therapy as directed. A physical therapist will teach you exercises to improve movement, strengthen your chest muscles, and decrease pain.
• Ask your provider if alternative therapies are right for you. Examples include acupuncture, relaxation, and massage. These therapies may help reduce pain.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
  • Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest
  • You may also have any of the following:
    • Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
    • Shortness of breath
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat

When should I seek immediate care?

• You have new or worse pain in your chest wall.

When should I call my doctor?

• You develop a rash.
• You have other new symptoms.
• Your pain gets worse, even after you take medicine.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer