Chest Pain & Breathing Muscles

Causes of Chest Pain

Trauma, twisting movements, and excessive coughing can all strain the rib muscles, which can cause a pain similar to diaphragm pain. The chest wall muscles and tissue can become irritated, inflamed and uncomfortable to stretch and move.

Poor posture and muscle tension of the shoulders, the neck and low back can all cause chest wall, thoracic pain.

Symptoms of Chest Pain

The most common chest wall symptom is pain. The type of pain will depend on the nature of the cause. Pain can range from a constant ache to a sharp, stabbing or burning. The pain can be worse on certain movements such as deep breathing, coughing or twisting. It may be associated with numbness, tingling or a 'radiating' pain, from front to back for example.

Chest Pain Treatment

Fractured and bruised ribs heal well usually on their own within approximately 6 weeks, but be sure to avoid strenuous exercise. Instead ice the area, stretch and mobilise gently, and be sure to do breathing exercises.

Take deep breaths! Try to breath in slowly and deeply aiming to fill the base of the lungs up and then slowly exhale. This will help to expand the ribs and soft tissue alongside improve the functioning of your lungs.

Chronic Chest Pain

Improving your overall posture can assist chronic aches and pain around the front of the chest.

Sit up tall and watch the PBG information class on Chest Wall & Breathing Pain then try the QuickFix exercise class to learn how to safely work on improving your balance for everyday life.