Chest pain can indicate an injury to your ribcage, surrounding muscles, or connective tissue. Pulled muscles, fractured ribs, and arthritis are all potential causes.

Your musculoskeletal system supports your body and allows you to move. It comprises tissues including:

  • muscle
  • bones
  • ligaments
  • cartilage
  • tendons

Damage to any of these structures can potentially cause chest pain. Often, these problems are minor and improve by themselves or with home remedies, but they can sometimes require emergency medical attention.

If you’re unsure what’s causing your chest pain, it’s a good idea to consult a medical professional, since chest pain can also be a sign of a problem with your lungs or heart.

If you have chest pain due to a musculoskeletal problem, you may experience pain that:

  • is constant rather than intermittent
  • is located in an isolated spot
  • is accompanied by swelling, tenderness, or bruising
  • feels worse when you apply pressure
  • feels worse when you move in certain ways
  • feels worse if you breathe deeply, sneeze, or cough

In a 2021 review of studies using data primarily from Europe, researchers found that the prevalence of musculoskeletal chest pain in the emergency room was 16%. Other studies have reported a prevalence of anywhere from 11% to 31%.

The following are some of the most common causes of musculoskeletal chest pain.

Muscle strains

Muscle strains, also called pulled muscles, are common injuries caused by overstretching a muscle.

You have two primary muscles in your chest. The large muscle that makes up the bulk of your chest on each side is called the pectoralis major. Located beneath this is a smaller muscle called the pectoralis minor.

Bruised or fractured rib

Fractured ribs often occur after a traumatic injury but can also develop from stress fractures.

A stress fracture is a broken rib that develops from repeated stress. They are most common in athletes in certain sports like rowing.

Fractured ribs often cause severe pain, especially when you breathe.

Medical emergency

Go to the nearest emergency room if you have chest pain and also develop symptoms like:

  • coughing
  • shortness of breath
  • trouble breathing deeply
  • fever
  • profuse sweating
  • nausea
  • pain that radiates to your jaw or arm
  • pain that radiates to your back
  • lightheadedness or fainting

Costochondritis

Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage that connects your ribs to your sternum. It can develop from:

  • chest injuries
  • arthritis
  • repetitive stress
  • frequent coughing

It’s most common in adults between the ages of 40 and 50 years.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a common form of arthritis that develops when your immune system attacks healthy cells in your joints. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis develop costochondritis.

Slipping rib syndrome

Slipping rib syndrome occurs when your lower ribs move more than they should and slip away from their usual position. It can cause chest, abdominal, or back pain.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a pain syndrome that causes musculoskeletal pain without a known cause. It can cause widespread pain in your chest and other body parts. It can also cause other symptoms, such as:

  • fatigue
  • sleep problems
  • memory problems
  • mood changes

What can cause musculoskeletal chest pain on the left side?

Most problems that can cause chest pain like costochondritis or a strained muscle can occur on the left or right side.

However, pain on the left side of your chest can also be a sign of a heart attack, which is not musculoskeletal in nature.

Learn more about the causes of chest pain.

Medical emergency

Call emergency medical services or go to the nearest emergency room if you develop potential signs of a heart attack, such as:

  • sudden chest pain that feels like squeezing or pressure inside your chest
  • pain that spreads down your arm to your neck, jaw, stomach, or back
  • feeling sweaty, nauseated, lightheaded, or short of breath

Complications of musculoskeletal chest pain depend on the underlying cause.

  • Rheumatoid arthritis can contribute to exhaustion, cardiovascular disease, or eye inflammation.
  • A strained muscle might put you at risk of developing other injuries or worsening your injury.
  • A fractured rib can injure blood vessels moving blood to and from your heart.
  • People with fibromyalgia sometimes develop mood changes or fatigue.

It’s a good idea to seek medical attention if you have chest pain that doesn’t get better after about a couple of weeks or continues to get worse.

Chest pain can develop for many reasons that range from minor to severe. To make a diagnosis, a doctor may start by:

  • asking you about your symptoms
  • reviewing your personal and family medical history
  • performing a physical exam that might include:
    • moving your arms in certain ways
    • looking for tender areas
    • feeling for atypical bumps

You may also undergo other tests like:

Treatment for musculoskeletal chest pain depends on the source of your pain. It might involve:

  • home remedies like:
    • applying heat or cold to the injured area
    • getting rest
    • stopping activities causing pain
  • steroid injections
  • pain medications
  • physical therapy
  • surgery

You may be able to prevent some causes of musculoskeletal chest pain by:

  • wearing proper sports equipment
  • taking precautions to avoid falls
  • avoiding suddenly increasing your level of physical activity, especially repetitive upper body movements like rowing
  • getting plenty of sleep
  • eating a balanced diet
  • staying active

Here are some frequently asked questions people have about musculoskeletal chest pain.

How do I know if chest pain is muscular and not heart-related?

If you’re unsure whether your chest pain is heart-related, it’s best to consult a doctor. In general, musculoskeletal pain is more likely to get worse if you touch your chest in a certain spot or move in certain ways.

How long does musculoskeletal chest pain last?

Minor issues might resolve in a few days without treatment or with home remedies. More severe problems can take longer to heal. For example, a broken rib can take up to 6 weeks.

Is musculoskeletal chest pain serious?

Many causes of musculoskeletal chest pain are minor and can heal on their own or with home remedies. Some causes, like a broken rib, can be serious.

Musculoskeletal chest pain can have many causes, such as a pulled muscle or arthritis. Many conditions that cause chest pain are minor and can heal with home remedies.

It’s important to speak with a doctor if chest pain doesn’t resolve within a couple of weeks. A doctor can help identify the underlying cause and recommend how best to treat it.