ATTENTION

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 for 24/7 free and confidential crisis support. You do not have to be suicidal to call. Access more info and resources on suicide prevention, emotional and mental health support. 
toggle mobile menu Menu
toggle search menu

Site Navigation

Supplemental

Menu

Chest wall pain

Top of the page

Chest wall pain

Chest wall pain is pain in the bones, cartilage, or muscles that make up the chest wall. Chest wall pain occurs in a specific area of the chest and may feel worse when pressure is applied to the area.

Chest wall pain can be caused by many problems, including:

  • An injury, such as a blow to the chest.
  • Prolonged or violent coughing, which can strain the muscles or ligaments in the chest.
  • Inflammation of the cartilage of the rib cage (costochondritis).

Chest wall pain usually feels different than the chest pain of a heart attack. Breathing deeply, lying on the affected area, or moving, such as twisting to the side or raising the arms, also can make chest wall pain feel worse.

Treatment for chest wall pain depends on the cause of the pain. Minor chest wall pain is treated with rest, ice or heat applied to the area, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen. If the chest wall pain is the result of coughing, the pain should improve as the cough improves.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more, visit Healthwise.org

© 1995- Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Take Care, Someone Needs You.

You take care of others, so take care of yourself. Let us be your partner in health, whether you're recovering from an injury, checking in for your annual exam, or enjoying an online class.

Because when you take care of yourself, everyone around you benefits.

Connect with Us
Contact Us In Boise (208) 381-2222