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Chest Pain Causes — Could It Be Coming from Your Back?

Introduction

Chest pain is commonly associated with serious and life-threatening conditions, which is why it’s crucial to consult a doctor to rule out causes related to the heart, lungs, cardiovascular system, or digestive tract. This article assumes that medical clearance has already been obtained and focuses on musculoskeletal causes of chest pain.

Many patients we’ve seen at the clinic have undergone thorough medical assessments and visited multiple specialists, only to remain without a diagnosis or an understanding of their pain. While it’s reassuring that no severe underlying issues are present, these patients are often left unsure about the source of their discomfort.

Common Causes of Musculoskeletal Chest Pain

1 – Muscle Overuse or Strain: Strain in chest wall muscles, such as the intercostals or serratus muscles, can result in pain.

2 – Postural Strain: Poor posture, particularly a rounded upper back, can overload the front chest wall structures.

3 – Rib Joint Dysfunction: Acute or repetitive injuries to rib joints (costotransverse or costovertebral) can refer pain to the side or front of the chest.

4 – Costochondritis: Pain or injury in the costochondral cartilage, located at the front of the chest.

5 – Faulty Breathing Mechanics: Stress-induced breathing dysfunction can overload chest wall structures, contributing to pain.

Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Chest Pain

Symptoms of musculoskeletal chest pain often differ from non-musculoskeletal causes and may include:

• Pain linked to the mid-back, rib areas, or front of the chest.
• Discomfort or catching sensations during deep breaths.
• Positional pain that varies depending on posture or movement.
• Pain triggered by activities like push-ups or chest-related exercises.
• A feeling of restricted breathing or inability to take a full breath.
• Increased pain during stress or tension around the torso.

Diagnosing Musculoskeletal Chest Pain from the Spine

The first step is to rule out serious causes of chest pain with your doctor. Once cleared, your chiropractor will conduct a thorough assessment, which includes:

• Medical History: Understanding past injuries, current symptoms, exercise habits, work postures, and stress levels.
• Range of Motion Tests: Evaluating the mobility of your shoulders, neck, upper back, and torso for movement restrictions.
• Functional Testing: Activities like push-ups or chest-loaded exercises may be used to identify pain triggers.
• Breathing Assessment: Observing breathing mechanics for pain associated with natural or deep inspiration.
• Palpation: Hands-on examination of the mid-back, ribs, and chest wall to locate specific pain points.

Chiropractic Treatment Options for Chest Wall Pain

Managing musculoskeletal chest pain requires a holistic approach, particularly as symptoms are often chronic or deeply entrenched. Treatment generally involves three key components:

1. Hands-On Therapy:
   • • Spinal and rib joint mobilisation.
     • Soft tissue therapy targeting the mid-back, ribs, and intercostal muscles.
2. Exercise Rehabilitation:
   • • Improving mid-back flexibility and mobility.
     • Strengthening the mid-back, scapular, and anterior chest wall muscles.
     • Correcting faulty breathing mechanics to reduce strain on chest wall structures.
3. Education and Lifestyle Advice:
   • • Alleviating anxiety related to chest pain through education and reassurance.
     • Postural advice for workstations, sitting positions, and daily activities.
     • Guidance on managing exercise loads and movement patterns.

Preventing Recurrence of Back-Related Chest Pain

Preventing flare-ups of chest pain requires ongoing management and rehabilitation. Key strategies include:

• • • Completing your treatment plan under professional guidance.
    • Maintaining a routine of strength and mobility exercises for the mid-back and chest wall.
    • Incorporating breathing exercises and stress management to alleviate tension in chest wall structures.

We are here to help!

If you’re experiencing chest pain, it’s essential to first rule out life-threatening conditions with your doctor. For many patients, lingering pain may stem from musculoskeletal issues related to the spine, ribs, or chest wall structures. Chiropractic care can offer effective treatment by addressing the root cause holistically.

At Fortitude Chiropractic, our team will help you understand your symptoms and work with you towards relief. Click here to book an appointment or contact us fore more information.

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