Chest Wall Pain: Costochondritis

Illustration of the chest showing position of the ribs, sternum, trachea, and lungs.

The chest pain that you have had today is caused by costochondritis. This condition is caused by an inflammation of the cartilage that joins your ribs to your breastbone. It's not caused by heart or lung problems. Your care team has made sure that the chest pain you feel is not from a life-threatening cause of chest pain such as heart attack or blood clot in the lung.

The inflammation may have been brought on by a blow to the chest, lifting heavy objects, intense exercise, or an illness that made you cough and sneeze a lot. It often occurs during times of emotional stress. It can be painful, but it's not dangerous. The pain gets worse with movement and certain positions. The pain may also be worse when you take a deep breath, cough, or sneeze. Costochondritis usually goes away in 1 to 2 weeks. But it may happen again. Rarely, a more serious condition may cause similar symptoms. That’s why it’s important to watch for the warning signs listed below.

Home care

Follow these guidelines when caring for yourself at home:

If you feel that emotional stress is a cause of your condition, think about what's causing the stress. It may or may not be obvious. Learn healthy ways to deal with the stress in your life. These can include regular exercise, muscle relaxation, meditation, or taking a little time out for yourself.
You may use acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen to control pain, unless another pain medicine was prescribed. If you have liver or kidney disease or ever had a stomach ulcer, talk with your health care provider before using these medicines.
A hot, wet compress or heating pad can help ease the pain. Use this with or without a medicated skin cream that helps relieves pain.
Do stretches as advised by your provider. You may need to rest for the first few days. Avoid strenuous activity that makes the pain worse.
Take any prescribed medicines as directed.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your health care provider, or as advised.

Call 911

Call 911 if:

The pain feels different, gets worse, lasts longer, or spreads into your shoulder, arm, neck, jaw, or back.
You faint.
You have shortness of breath or trouble breathing.

When to get medical advice

Call your health care provider or seek medical care right away if:

Pain gets worse when you breathe.
You feel weak or dizzy.
You cough up dark-colored sputum or blood.
You have a fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as advised by your provider.

Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Terri Koson DNP RN ACNP
Online Medical Reviewer: Vinita Wadhawan Researcher

Date Last Reviewed: 10/1/2024