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Transitory Benign Chest Wall Pain

Chest pain often brings thoughts of a heart attack and can be frightening. However, while sometimes sharp and moderately severe, transitory (temporary) chest wall pain is non-cardiac and most often benign. Stedman's Medical Dictionary defines benign as "of no danger to health." There are several known causes of the condition, and treatment depends upon the origin of the symptoms.

  1. Costochondritis

    • MayoClinic.com reports costochondritis as a common cause of benign chest wall pain. It originates in the costosternal joints, the joints that join the ribs to the sternum or breastbone, and is due to inflammation of the cartilage found there. Symptoms of costochondritis include tenderness in the area where the ribs meet the sternum, pain with deep breaths or coughing and difficulty breathing due to the pain. Physicians cannot always specify the cause of costochondritis but injury, infection or fibromyalgia are a few possible culprits. Interestingly, it occurs more often in women than men according to MayoClinic.com, and typically in patients over 40.

    GERD and Esophageal Spasm

    • According to ClevelandClinic.com, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal spasm are the most frequent causes of non-cardiac chest pain. GERD occurs when stomach acids wash back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and pain in the chest. Esophageal spasms occur when the muscles of the lower esophagus contract. The esophagus runs from the throat to the stomach behind the sternum and so these painful contractions can result in significant chest pain. Acid reflux and stress are two causes of these spasms.

    Other Causes

    • Anxiety or panic attacks sometimes cause symptoms that mimic a heart attack, including chest pain, shortness of breath and profuse sweating. According to Georgetown University at Georgetown.edu, another rare cause of non-cardiac chest wall pain is Tietze disorder. This condition causes swelling of the cartilage of the upper ribs and results in chest pain that may spread to the arms and shoulders. Despite the ominous sensation of spreading chest pain, however, Tietze is also benign and typically resolves on its own.

    Treatment

    • Treatment varies according to the condition causing benign chest pain. MayoClinic.com recommends non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) for costochondritis. Rest, gentle exercise, muscle relaxants and heating pads may also relieve the pain. ClevelandClinic.com suggests treating GERD with lifestyle changes and/or anti-reflux drugs. Physicians use medications like alprazolam to treat anxiety or panic attacks, along with referrals for relaxation therapy and psychotherapy. Fibromyalgia is a complex condition that often requires medication, exercise and other therapies. Those with more chronic or long-term chest wall pain may also be referred for consultation to pain management specialists such as psychologists for biofeedback, physical therapists and others associated with this multidisciplinary approach to pain.

    Warning

    • Chest pain can indicate a very serious, even life-threatening medical issue, especially if it is persistent or worsens with time. You should see a physician if you are experiencing chest pain. Only your doctor can rule out the more serious causes and diagnose you with transitory benign chest wall pain.

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