Chest Wall Pain

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

Chest wall pain

may feel like it comes from your rib cage, breast, or muscles in your chest. The chest wall is a structure of muscles, cartilage and bones that protect your heart and lungs. The pain may be severe, aching, dull, or sharp. It may come and go, or it may be constant. You may also have numbness, tingling or pain that moves to your back or neck. The pain may be worse when you move in certain ways, breathe deeply, or cough.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
  • Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest
  • You may also have any of the following:
    • Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
    • Shortness of breath
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat

Seek care immediately if:

• You have new or worse pain in your chest wall.

Call your doctor if:

• You develop a rash.
• You have other new symptoms.
• Your pain gets worse, even after you take medicine.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Treatment

depends on the cause of your chest wall pain. Chest wall pain may get better without treatment. You may need any of the following to treat or manage your pain:

• NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
• A cream or gel may be applied to your chest to decrease pain.
• A steroid injection may help decrease severe pain if other treatments do not work.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Self-care:

• Limit physical activity that causes pain. Rest as needed. You may be able to return to normal activity when you can move without pain. Follow directions for rest and activity.
• Apply ice on your chest to decrease pain. Use an ice pack, or put ice in a plastic bag and cover it with a towel. Always put a cloth between the ice and your skin. Apply the ice for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed.
• Apply heat on your chest as directed. Heat helps decrease pain and muscle spasms. Apply heat for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours for as many days as directed.
• Go to physical therapy as directed. A physical therapist will teach you exercises to improve movement, strengthen your chest muscles, and decrease pain.
• Ask your provider if alternative therapies are right for you. Examples include acupuncture, relaxation, and massage. These therapies may help reduce pain.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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