Pain is an alarm signal through which our bodies communicate that there’s something wrong going on. And feeling pain in your chest might certainly be alarming, to say the least, as you would probably think about having a heart attack!
But there are many reasons as to why you might be experiencing musculoskeletal chest pain and that’s why we’re here to help you…
What Is Musculoskeletal Chest Pain?
Breathing and moving is a struggle. It doesn’t matter what you do and how you do it, you have a lingering painful sensation that pervades your chest. This type of discomfort can be unsettling, as chest pain often triggers concerns about more serious conditions like heart problems. However, if you aren’t experiencing additional worrisome symptoms, such as shortness of breath, radiating pain to the arms or jaw, dizziness, or nausea, it’s most likely a musculoskeletal issue rather than a cardiac one.
Musculoskeletal chest pain generally originates from the muscles, bones, or connective tissues in the chest wall, rather than from the heart. This type of pain can result from injury, strain, inflammation, or other conditions affecting the muscles, ribs, or cartilage in the chest area. The pain is often localised and can be aggravated by movement, deep breathing, or physical pressure on the chest.
Unlike cardiac pain, which tends to be more severe and persistent, musculoskeletal chest pain is often sharp or aching, and the discomfort may fluctuate depending on your activity level or posture. For example, if the pain worsens when you press on your chest or move your arms, it’s a sign that the cause is likely musculoskeletal.
Even though this type of pain is less serious than heart-related issues, it can still significantly impact your quality of life if left untreated. Therefore, it’s important to have the pain properly assessed by a healthcare professional, especially if it persists or worsens over time. This ensures that you receive the appropriate treatment and can rule out any more serious underlying causes.
What Are The Main Causes For Musculoskeletal Chest Pain?
There are many possible causes for the pain that you’re experiencing. In order to determine the nature of your condition and any treatment option, you should book an appointment to see a healthcare professional as soon as you notice your symptoms. Some of the most frequent causes for chest pain are…
#1 An Injury
This is one of the most common causes of musculoskeletal pain. You might have injured your chest wall during sport or work activities, causing frequent pain.
#2 Costochondritis
Costosternal syndrome or anterior chest wall syndrome is a condition that affects the ribs, resulting in pain and movement limitation.
This condition has to be assessed by a health-care professional to exclude any kind of fracture.
#3 Lower Rib Pain Syndrome
This condition causes pain in the lower region of your chest, by affecting the ligaments between your rib cage and breastbone.
#4 Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain all over the body. Although it’s not a life threatening condition, it can severely affect your quality of life and limit your ability to function on a daily basis.
#5 Rheumatic Diseases
Other causes for musculoskeletal chest pain include arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
Common Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Chest Pain
Musculoskeletal chest pain can present in a variety of ways, depending on the underlying cause and severity. Here are some common symptoms to look out for:
Localised Pain in the Chest Wall: The pain is often sharp, aching, or a feeling of tightness in a specific area of the chest. It usually feels more superficial compared to deeper, heart-related chest pain and can sometimes be pinpointed to a particular spot on the chest.
Pain That Worsens with Movement: You may notice that the pain intensifies when you move, twist your torso, or raise your arms. Actions like lifting heavy objects, turning your body, or even minor movements can aggravate the discomfort. This is because the muscles, joints, or cartilage in the chest are directly affected by these movements.
Tenderness in the Muscles or Ribs: Pressing on the painful area may cause discomfort or tenderness, especially in the muscles, ribs, or joints where the pain originates. This is a distinguishing feature of musculoskeletal chest pain, as it’s often sensitive to touch.
Pain That Increases with Deep Breathing: Deep breaths can exacerbate the pain due to the movement of the chest wall. Coughing, sneezing, or even laughing might also intensify the discomfort, especially if the cartilage or muscles are inflamed or strained.
Stiffness and Limited Mobility: You might feel stiffness around the chest area, which can make it difficult to move your upper body comfortably. This stiffness is often accompanied by a reduced range of motion, particularly when trying to stretch or reach out.
Symptoms That Fluctuate with Posture: Changing your posture may affect the intensity of the pain. For example, sitting or slouching for extended periods may worsen the discomfort, while adjusting your position or lying down in a certain way might provide temporary relief.
While musculoskeletal chest pain can be uncomfortable and disruptive, it typically does not cause the more alarming symptoms associated with cardiac issues, such as sudden shortness of breath, radiating pain to other parts of the body, or a sense of impending doom. However, if you’re uncertain about the source of your pain, it’s always advisable to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any serious conditions.
What is the latest approach to managing musculoskeletal chest pain?
Recent approaches to managing musculoskeletal chest pain emphasise a comprehensive evaluation incorporating the biopsychosocial model of pain. This includes not just physical assessment but also considering psychological and social factors. Evidence-based practices and patient education are key, alongside physical therapy focusing on movement behaviour and self-management skills. For more information see this study on PubMed: Musculoskeletal Pain: Current and Future Directions of Physical Therapy Practice.
How has technology influenced the treatment of musculoskeletal chest pain?
Advancements in technology are being integrated into the treatment of musculoskeletal chest pain. This includes the use of digital tools for patient education, remote monitoring, and tailored exercise programs, enhancing patient engagement and treatment efficacy.
What role does patient education play in treating musculoskeletal chest pain?
Patient education is crucial. It helps patients understand their condition better, manage their symptoms more effectively, and adhere to treatment plans. Educating patients on pain management, lifestyle modifications, and self-care techniques is a key component of comprehensive care.
What Are My Treatment Options?
Depending on the cause of your chest pain, you will be offered different kinds of treatments.
You could be advised to take painkillers, to do physical therapy or, even, to just rest!
The best way to make sure that you are not neglecting any possible cause is to make an appointment with an osteopath or a MSK rehabilitator.
In addition to these options, recent advancements in treatment also emphasise a more holistic approach. This includes:
- Personalised Exercise Regimens: Specific exercises tailored to your condition can help in strengthening the muscles around the chest area, improving flexibility and reducing pain.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): For chronic pain, CBT can be effective in managing the psychological aspects of pain, helping to cope with the condition in a more positive way.
- Manual Therapy: Techniques like massage, mobilisation, and manipulation by trained professionals can offer relief, especially in cases where the pain is related to muscular or skeletal issues.
- Pain Management Education: Understanding your condition and learning effective pain management strategies plays a crucial role in treatment. This might include education on posture, breathing techniques, and activity modifications.
- Acupuncture: Some patients find relief through acupuncture, which involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to alleviate pain.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Small changes in your daily life, like ergonomic adjustments at work, diet modifications, and stress management, can also have a positive impact on musculoskeletal chest pain.
Remember, the effectiveness of these treatments can vary based on the individual case, and it’s important to discuss all options with your healthcare provider to find the best approach for your specific needs. Regular follow-up and adherence to the prescribed treatment plan are crucial for managing musculoskeletal chest pain effectively.
Book Your Appointment…
Don’t neglect the pain that you are experiencing and book your appointment to see the right specialist today. Drop into our clinic in Northwich or give us a call on 01606 45077.
