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Benign Chest Wall Pain and Costochondritis
Chest wall pain is a general term used to describe chest pain secondary to musculoskeletal or inflammatory causes. The pain may be secondary to a muscle strain (from coughing), or may surface several days after an injury to the chest wall. Inflammation of the joints where the ribs and the breastbone (sternum) articulate, known as costochondritis, represents a common cause of chest wall pain. Common symptoms and findings of chest wall pain include chest pain that is increased with motion of the chest or upper (thoracic) spine. The chest pain is often worse when breathing deeply, sneezing, or coughing. There may be a region of tenderness in the chest wall or some muscle group. he pain associated with chest wall pain can be very similar to that of pleurisy. Costochondritis will typically present with tenderness to either side of the breastbone. Chest wall pain SHOULD NOT be associated with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or fever. Evaluation may include a chest x-ray if a rib fracture or pneumothorax is suspected. EKG (ECG) may be done in patients with a cardiac history or in those with significant risk factors for the development of cardiac disease (smoker, diabetic, obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension). Chest wall injuries and muscle strains are best managed with a heating pad, anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen), and, occasionally, with a muscle relaxant medication. Costochondritis responds best to anti-inflammatory medications and rest. Weight reduction can also decrease costochondritis in the obese patient.
Hope this article wil provide you information about chest wall pain and costochondritis.
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