Chest Wall Pain

Chest wall pain is pain in or around the bones and muscles of your chest. Sometimes, an injury causes this pain. Excessive coughing or overuse of arm and chest muscles may also cause chest wall pain. Sometimes, the cause may not be known. This pain may take several weeks or longer to get better.

Follow these instructions at home:

Managing pain, stiffness and swelling

A bag of ice on a towel on the skin.
  • If directed, put ice on the painful area:

    • Put ice in a plastic bag.

    • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.

    • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times per day.

Activity

  • Rest as instructed by your healthcare provider.

  • Avoid activities that cause pain. These include any activities that use your chest muscles or your abdominal and side muscles to lift heavy items. Ask your healthcare provider what activities are safe for you.

General instructions

A do not smoke cigarettes sign.

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as instructed by your healthcare provider.

  • Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes and chewing tobacco. These can delay healing after injury. If you need help quitting, ask your healthcare provider.

  • Keep all follow-up appointments as instructed by your healthcare provider. This is important.

Contact a healthcare provider if:

  • You have a fever.

  • Your chest pain becomes worse.

  • You have new symptoms.

Get help right away if:

  • You have nausea or vomiting.

  • You feel sweaty or light-headed.

  • You have a cough with mucus from your lungs (phlegm/sputum) or you cough up blood.

  • You develop shortness of breath.

These symptoms may represent a serious problem which is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.

Summary

  • Chest wall pain is pain in or around the bones and muscles of your chest.

  • Depending on the cause, it may be treated with ice, rest, medicines and avoiding activities that cause pain.

  • Contact a healthcare provider if you have a fever, worsening chest pain or new symptoms.

  • Get help right away if you feel light-headed or you develop shortness of breath. These symptoms may be an emergency.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.