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What Are the Causes of Non-Cardiac Chest Wall Pain?

Chest pain can be a medical emergency or related to other less-serious conditions such as costochondritis or even indigestion. If your pain is severe, seek medical attention immediately.

  1. Types

    • The most common type of non-cardiac chest wall pain is costochondritis, a benign condition that occurs when the rib's cartilage becomes inflamed. Another type of chest wall pain is called Tietze syndrome, which is characterized by inflammation and swelling of the rib's cartilage.

    Identification

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, you can determine whether your chest pain is non-cardiac by pressing your finger along the sternum's margin. If the pressure of your finger causes pain that mimics the chest wall pain you are feeling, then most likely it is not cardiac in nature.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of costochondritis include pain that intensifies with deep breathes and while coughing. Also, breathing may be difficult.

    Causes

    • Causes of non-cardiac chest wall pain include anxiety, injury, strained muscles and infection. Also, chest wall pain may be related to conditions such as fibromyalgia, acid reflux or gallbladder disease.

    Treatment

    • Chest wall pain may be treated with over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Also, prescription tricyclic antidepressants or muscle relaxants may be used when pain is severe.

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