Various Causes Of Chest Wall Pain

2 May, 2012 No Comment

Chest wall pain is known to be a common problem that can occur due to several reasons such as injuries, infections as well as certain conditions that have a negative impact on the chest muscles, lungs or ribs. The pain in the chest wall can be an indication of a serious health condition that may require immediate medical attention. The symptoms of pain are known to vary from mild to severe, depending on the cause of the pain. Given below are some of the common causes for the occurrence of pain in the chest wall.

Causes Of Chest Wall Pain

Chest Wall Injury

Rib fractures as well as bruising of the chest wall can be the cause of severe pain in the chest wall. Coughing, twisting as well as deep breathing is known to exacerbate the symptoms of pain in the chest wall. When it comes to a chest wall injury, it is important to make sure that the individual can breathe properly.

Those who suffer from a chest wall injury find it very difficult to cough, thereby leading to the accumulation of mucus in the airways and increasing the risk of suffering from pneumonia.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition that is associated with the development of pain as well as tenderness of the muscles and joints of the body. The upper chest region is known to be a common region for the development of fibromyalgia pain. Research surveys have indicated that there are more than five million people in the United States that suffer from fibromyalgia.

Muscle Soreness or Costochondritis

Costochondritis is a condition which is associated with the development of inflammation in the region where the breastbone is connected to the ribs. It has been stated that inflammation of the cartilage is known to develop as a result of an infection, minor injury as well as weight lifting.

This region is very tender to pressure and even the slightest movement can cause the pain to increase. Health experts have stated that over-the-counter remedies such as aspirin or ibuprofen might prove to be helpful in the treatment of this condition.

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a common problem that can trigger chronic pain in the chest wall and the pain caused by this condition is known to resemble that of a heart attack. There are also several other digestive conditions that are known to cause chest wall pain and they include gallbladder pain as well as stomach ulcers.

Health experts have stated that acid reflux causes a burning pain in the chest region, which may last for a few minutes or several hours and often leaves a sour taste in the mouth of the individual.

Chronic Cough

Chronic cough is known to be a major reason for developing pain in the chest wall. As a result of chronic coughing, the muscles of the rib cage may begin to tighten, thereby leading to the development of pain. There are several conditions that are associated with the development of a chronic cough and they include asthma, lung infection, inhaled particles as well as sinus infection.