Chest Wall Pain

Chest wall pain refers to discomfort or tenderness in the muscles and bones that make up the chest wall, including the ribs, sternum, and surrounding tissues.

Causes

• Trauma: Injuries such as fractures, bruises, or strains to the chest wall can cause pain.
• Musculoskeletal issues: Conditions like costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum), Tietze's syndrome (inflammation of the cartilage and surrounding tissues), and fibromyalgia can lead to chest wall pain.
• Respiratory conditions: Pneumonia, pleurisy (inflammation of the lining around the lungs), and pneumothorax (collapsed lung) can cause chest wall pain.
• Gastrointestinal issues: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophagitis, and peptic ulcers can radiate pain to the chest wall.
• Cardiovascular conditions: Pericarditis (inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart) and coronary artery disease can cause chest wall pain.
• Other causes: Shingles, osteoporosis, and tumors (benign or malignant) can also lead to chest wall pain.

Symptoms

• Pain or tenderness in the chest wall, which may be sharp, dull, or aching
• Pain that worsens with movement, deep breathing, or coughing
• Swelling, redness, or bruising in the affected area
• Difficulty breathing or feeling winded
• Fever, chills, or night sweats (if an underlying infection is present)

Diagnosis

Diagnosing chest wall pain involves a physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests such as:

• Chest X-rays
• Computed Tomography (CT) scans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Bone scans
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
• Laboratory tests (e.g., complete blood count, blood chemistry tests)

Treatment

Treatment for chest wall pain depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Pain management with over-the-counter or prescription medications
• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) for musculoskeletal injuries
• Physical therapy to improve range of motion and strength
• Antibiotics or antiviral medications for infections
• Surgery or other interventions for underlying conditions such as tumors or fractures

Prognosis

The prognosis for chest wall pain varies depending on the underlying cause and effectiveness of treatment. In some cases, chest wall pain can be a chronic condition that requires ongoing management.