Musculoskeletal Condition · Glastonbury, CT

Rib Cage & Chest Wall Pain

Rib, breastbone and chest wall pain: evaluation to rule out serious causes first, then non-surgical treatment options with Dr. Paul Tortland, DO.

Written and clinically reviewed by

Paul D. Tortland, DO, FAOASM, CAQSM, RMSK

Dr. Paul Tortland, DO is a non-surgical orthopedic & sports medicine physician specializing in regenerative orthopedics and surgical alternative treatment. He is dual board-certified in Sports Medicine & Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Regenerative Medicine, Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine. He became the first physician in the world to earn board certification in Regenerative Medicine in 2015. Diplomate, American Board of Regenerative Medicine (ABRM), 2015. Registered in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (RMSK).

Condition

What causes rib-cage and chest-wall pain?

Rib cage pain is pain in the ribs, breastbone, or the joints where ribs attach, and it is often worse with a deep breath, a twist, or a press on the spot. Chest pain should always be checked first for heart and lung causes, and sudden chest pain or shortness of breath needs emergency care. Once those are ruled out, Dr. Paul Tortland, DO, looks for a joint or cartilage source and builds a plan from there.

Explore related conditions: Browse the Back and spine condition hub for related diagnoses and treatment options.

CARE OPTIONS

What are treatment options for chest-wall pain?

Dr. Tortland’s potential treatment options: Dr. Tortland first evaluates whether pain appears musculoskeletal and identifies the exact structure involved. Selected focal joint, ligament, or soft-tissue pain may be considered for PRP treatment or prolotherapy/prolozone, but injection care is only considered after potentially serious causes of chest pain have been addressed.

Physical therapy and traditional care: Conservative care may include relative rest from provoking activity, physical therapy for mobility and posture, graded return to exercise, and appropriate pain relief. The best approach depends on whether the problem is muscular, rib-related, or another condition.

When other care may be needed: Chest pain with breathlessness, faintness, sweating, pressure, exertional symptoms, or sudden severe onset should receive urgent medical evaluation.

Common questions

Questions about rib and chest-wall pain

What causes rib cage and chest wall pain?

Chest wall pain can come from strained muscles, irritated rib joints or cartilage, thoracic spine problems, or nerve irritation. Because chest pain can also signal heart or lung problems, those causes should be ruled out first.

What are the symptoms of rib cage and chest wall pain?

Typical symptoms include sharp or aching pain that changes with breathing, twisting, coughing, or pressing on the area. Chest pain with shortness of breath, sweating, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw needs emergency care.

What are the non-surgical treatment options for rib cage and chest wall pain?

Treatment depends on the cause and may include activity modification, physical therapy, breathing and posture work, and symptom-relief medication when appropriate. Targeted injections are considered only for selected, clearly identified musculoskeletal pain. New or unexplained chest symptoms need medical assessment.

What regenerative options may help rib cage and chest wall pain?

For unstable or sprained rib and spine ligaments, prolotherapy or PRP may be considered, and hydrodissection may be used for entrapped nerves. Evidence is limited, and candidacy is decided after a thorough exam.