Understanding Chest Wall Pain: Causes, Symptoms & When to See a Doctor

Chest wall pain, or costochondritis, is a condition that causes sharp pain in the chest wall where the breastbone attaches to the ribs. This pain has several causes and should be evaluated by a doctor.

Strain or Injury

• According to the Mayo Clinic, strenuous exercise, heavy lifting or an injury from a blow to the chest may cause costochondritis.

Illness or Infection

• Patients with upper respiratory illnesses may develop costochondritis. An infected costosternal joint that connects the ribs and the breastbone can cause chest wall pain.

Fibromyalgia

• People who suffer from fibromyalgia may have a tender area in the chest wall that causes recurring pain.

Referred Pain

• Chest wall pain can be referred from another part of the body, such as bones in the spine that press on nerves.

Heart Attack

• Pain in the chest wall can also occur during a heart attack.

Treatment

• Doctors may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tricyclic antidepressants or muscle relaxants to ease chest wall pain.