Costochondritis

Costochondritis is joint inflammation at the front of the rib cage. It often occurs after being unwell or intense exercise.

Tietzes Syndrome

Tietzes Syndrome is similar to costochondritis except that there's swelling and redness seen. It frequently occurs after a cough or cold.

Mid Back Referral

Chest pain can be referred from the thoracic spine, also called the mid back. It can make movements of the spine difficult and painful, and may be caused by slouching posture.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is defined by widespread pain but one of the common locations is the chest. Fibro is a complex condition -- frequently it's associated with "fibro brain" and fatigue. It's more than just the pain.

Arthritis

Various types of arthritides can occur at the ribs and breastbone. These might include rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and others.

Muscle Spasms

There's lots of muscles in the chest. This includes the pecs, muscles reaching around from the back, small muscles between the ribs and the start of the abdominal muscles. Like any other muscle, these can get pulled, strained and go into spasm.

Chest pain is a common and usually easily-treated condition seen in Chiropractic and Osteopathic clinics.

Treatment might include:

• Adjustments to the spine or ribs
• Massage to the small muscles around the ribs
• Dry needling
• Cupping
• Home exercises
• Stretches

Frequently chest pain is seen with other postural changes, like the head poking forwards or the pelvis tilting. This can in-turn place extra pressure on the ribs so the whole body is assessed and treated accordingly.