Athena Vale
Chest and back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including issues with vital organs, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or bones. The proximity of the chest and upper back means that an issue in one area can cause pain in the other. For example, a herniated disc or pinched nerve in the spine can lead to pain radiating to the chest, while a strained chest muscle can cause discomfort in the back. Determining the exact cause of chest and back pain can be challenging, and it is always advisable to seek medical advice for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pain location | Left side of the chest, right shoulder, between shoulder blades, upper back, middle back |
| Pain type | Dull, sore, sharp, stabbing, achy, burning, electric-like, mild, moderate, severe, chronic, radiating |
| Pain triggers | Movement, breathing, coughing, swallowing, lying down, stress, exercise |
| Symptoms | Fever, chills, joint pain, swelling in legs and feet, nausea, shortness of breath, tightness, pressure, muscle stiffness, digestive issues |
| Causes | Heart attack, angina, pericarditis, pulmonary embolism, muscle strain, injury, nerve compression, herniated disc, osteoarthritis, inflammation, shingles, cancer, heartburn, indigestion, peptic ulcers, gallstones, pancreatitis, anxiety, panic attacks |
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What You'll Learn
Heart attack, angina, and other heart conditions
Chest pain can be indicative of a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. It can be hard to pinpoint the exact origin of chest pain, but it is often a symptom of heart disease. This is known as cardiac chest pain, or "typical" chest pain. It can feel like pressure, squeezing, or clenching, and may spread from the chest to the neck, jaw, or down the arms. It may also be accompanied by sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath. This type of chest pain tends to feel worse with exercise and better with rest.
Angina is a symptom of heart disease and is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, usually due to a blockage in a coronary artery. It is characterized by chest discomfort that comes and goes, often feeling like pressure, tightness, or squeezing. Angina can be a warning sign of a heart attack, so it is important to seek medical care if you are experiencing it. Stable angina may go away within a few minutes of rest, but it will likely reoccur without medical evaluation and treatment. Unstable angina is a warning sign of a heart attack.
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is severely reduced or cut off, resulting in damage or death of heart tissue. Symptoms of a heart attack can include angina, chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and lightheadedness. It is important to note that each heart attack is unique, and a second heart attack may feel different from the first.
In addition to heart conditions, chest pain can also be caused by various other factors. For example, musculoskeletal conditions can cause chest pain due to injuries, muscle strains, rib fractures, arthritis, or other rheumatic conditions. Inflammation of the muscles supporting the upper back and chest can lead to pain and discomfort that may worsen with certain movements. Digestive issues such as heartburn or acid reflux can also cause chest pain. Anxiety and panic attacks are other possible causes of non-cardiac chest pain.
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Pulmonary embolism and other lung issues
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot that blocks the flow of blood to a lung, creating a blockage. This blockage causes issues with blood flow and oxygen levels in the lungs. A pulmonary embolism is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that affects about 900,000 people in the United States each year. The first signs of a pulmonary embolism are usually shortness of breath and chest pains that get worse with exertion or when taking a deep breath. The pain may feel like a dull ache that occurs on one or both sides of the chest. It can also cause a burning, sharp pain.
Pulmonary embolisms are typically treated in a hospital setting, where healthcare providers can monitor the patient's condition closely. The main treatment for a pulmonary embolism is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). Depending on the severity of the clot and its effect on other organs, a patient may also undergo thrombolytic therapy, surgery, or interventional procedures to improve blood flow in the pulmonary arteries.
In addition to pulmonary embolisms, there are other lung issues that can cause chest pain. For example, pleurodynia, or Bornholm disease, is an inflammation of the chest muscles due to a viral infection. It can cause episodes of sharp or stabbing muscle spasms, followed by a lingering dull ache that worsens when taking a deep breath. Tumors originating in the chest wall are rare, but tumors that originate elsewhere may metastasize and spread to the chest wall, causing musculoskeletal pain.
Chest pain can also be caused by issues with the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs. If the diaphragm is tight, it can cause a feeling of something being stuck in the throat when taking a deep breath. This type of discomfort usually goes away after taking several deep breaths.
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Gallbladder problems
Gallbladder pain can be caused by gallstones, which are formed by too much cholesterol or bilirubin in the bile. Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, which sends it to the small intestine to help with digestion. Gallstones can cause a gallbladder attack, which may require surgery to remove the gallbladder.
Other causes of gallbladder pain include bile buildup, trauma, illness, infection, or tumours. Pancreatitis can cause similar pain to a gallbladder attack, but it is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and foul-smelling bowel movements. Kidney stones can also cause sharp abdominal and back pains, as well as discoloured urine.
If you experience pain after gallbladder removal surgery, you may have post-cholecystectomy syndrome, which affects up to 40% of people. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Researchers believe it may be caused by a problem with the sphincter of Oddi, a ring-shaped muscle that controls the flow of bile.
To diagnose gallbladder problems, doctors may use ultrasound or other imaging tests. Lifestyle changes, such as dietary adjustments, can help keep the gallbladder healthy and prevent issues.
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Muscle strain and injury
The lumbar region, or lower back, is particularly susceptible to muscle strains and sprains due to its role in supporting the weight of the upper body and facilitating movements like twisting and bending. A lumbar strain can lead to damaged tendons and muscles, causing spasms, soreness, and pain. Similarly, a pectoralis major strain, which involves the large muscle of the torso that spans the width of the back and controls shoulder movement, can result in a sudden sharp pain near the shoulder and, depending on the severity, swelling of the front of the shoulder and upper arm.
To diagnose a muscle strain, a doctor will take a complete medical history and perform a physical examination. Special tests are often not required, but in some cases, an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be ordered to rule out other potential causes of pain, such as infections, fractures, or disc injuries.
Treatment options for muscle strains and injuries typically involve nonsurgical methods. Pain medications, muscle relaxants, and spinal injections can help manage pain and inflammation. Physical therapy, including massage, ice and heat therapy, ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, and stretching exercises, can aid in recovery and prevent reinjury. Staying active and avoiding bed rest is generally recommended, as bed rest can lead to muscle stiffness and weakness, prolonging the recovery process.
The outlook for muscle strains and injuries is generally positive, with a high likelihood of complete recovery. Most patients with lumbar strains, for example, recover completely within a month. However, it is important to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen, as underlying causes or other contributing factors may need to be addressed.
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Nerve compression and pinched nerves
A pinched nerve in the neck or upper back can cause pain in the back that radiates to the chest and can mimic heart disease pain. This pain can manifest as a tingling, numbness, or a "pins and needles" sensation. In the thoracic spine, a herniated disc or bone spur may compress a nerve, causing pain to radiate. A displaced joint can also cause nerve compression and subsequent pain.
Thoracic nerve compression from a herniated disc can cause upper back and chest pain. The chest and upper back are in close proximity and share many ribs that protect the same vital internal organs. A pinched nerve in the thoracic spine is often the result of a degenerative condition that causes a disc or bony spur to encroach on or compress a nerve.
Pinched nerves can occur elsewhere in the body, such as the wrist, elbow, lower back, hips, buttocks, leg, thigh, foot, and pelvic area. While mildly pinched nerves usually resolve with at-home care, more severe cases may require medical treatment. If you suspect you have a pinched nerve, a spine specialist can help determine the best course of treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a back muscle can cause chest pain. A herniated disc, for example, can cause pain in the chest and upper back. A compressed nerve in the upper back can also cause pain in the chest.
The symptoms of back muscle-related chest pain can vary. Some people may experience mild discomfort or tightness, while others may have sharp or intense pain. The pain may be felt on one side or both sides of the body. It may also be accompanied by muscle tightness, stiffness, or pressure in the chest.
Back muscle-related chest pain can be caused by various factors, including muscle strains, injuries, or inflammation. It can also be caused by issues with the ribs, spine, or nerves. In some cases, it may be related to degenerative conditions or digestive issues.
Treatment for back muscle-related chest pain can include stretching, physical therapy, and over-the-counter pain relievers. It is important to address the underlying cause and take steps to reduce inflammation and avoid further injury. In some cases, surgery or other medical treatments may be necessary.
