Very low urgency
Very common-
It is the pain that originates in the structures of the chest wall: ribs, rib cartilages, muscles, intercostal nerves and cervicodorsal vertebrae.
The most common cause is a trauma of the chest, although it may also be due to a muscle overexertion, musculoskeletal conditions or secondary to herpes zoster.
The main symptom is insidious and persistent pain, stabbing and which increases with movements, deep breathing and palpitation.
Diagnosis is based on the collection of a good medical history with a complete clinical questioning and a complete physical examination. Imaging tests may be necessary to reach the diagnosis.
Treatment is based on rest and local heat together with regular painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Christopher M Wise. Clinical evaluation of musculoskeletal chest pain. UpToDate. Nov 16, 2015.
- Stochkendahl MJ, Christensen HW. Chest pain in focal musculoskeletal disorders. Med Clin North Am 2010; 94:259.
- Yelland M, Cayley WE Jr, Vach W. An algorithm for the diagnosis and management of chest pain in primary care. Med Clin North Am 2010; 94:349.
- Bösner S, Bönisch K, Haasenritter J, et al. Chest pain in primary care: is the localization of pain diagnostically helpful in the critical evaluation of patients?--A cross sectional study. BMC Fam Pract 2013; 14:154.
- Yelland MJ. Back, chest and abdominal pain. How good are spinal signs at identifying musculoskeletal causes of back, chest or abdominal pain? Aust Fam Physician 2001; 30:908.
- David A. Morrow. Dolor torácico. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 1. 19º Edición. 98:103.
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
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