General information
The thorax consists of: It serves to protect the organs that are inside it: lungs, heart, thymus and the major blood vessels, as well as pulmonary vessels. Chest pain can have many causes, including both harmless and serious diseases. – 12 Thoracic vertebrae
- 12 pairs of ribs and
- The sternum
Causes
As a cause of chest pain, diseases of the internal organs such as the lungs and heart must be excluded and therefore require a detailed examination and a precise description of the pain. In the case of a heart attack, for example, the pain is typically described as a feeling of tightness and pressure and radiates into the left arm. If the pain is stronger during physical exertion and associated with shortness of breath, this can be a sign of a circulatory disorder of the heart. In contrast, chest pain resulting from lung diseases is typically respiratory. Chest pain can also come from the bony rib cage itself, as well as the associated muscles, nerves or connective tissue.
Bruised or broken ribs
In the case of contusions or even fractures of the ribs, the pain is rather superficial, but increases when touching the injured area. The pain is respiratory and stabbing. In the case of rib fractures, crunching noises can also occur during movements and the fracture site can be palpated.
Shingles
The cause of shingles is herpes zoster viruses, which migrate along the nerves and cause typical, burning blisters there. The inflammation spreads from the nerves to the corresponding skin area. The nerves in the thorax run along the lower edge of a rib, causing the typical “belt-shaped” pattern when affected on both sides. This disease occurs primarily in older and immunocompromised persons.
Tensions
Pain from the muscles is described as punctual and stabbing to drilling. They are perceived at a very specific location. In comparison, pain from the connective tissue is rather diffuse and more extensive. The pain quality is described as oppressive and pressing. Such pain can be the result of previous injuries, scars or poor posture, which can lead to tension.
Vertebral blockage
A vertebral blockage can occur for no apparent reason or through rapid and jerky rotational movements and can lead to sudden onset of pain and restricted movement. The pain is often very severe and can therefore interfere with everyday life, but a vertebral blockage is generally not dangerous and often disappears again after a few days without treatment. A rib blockage can be caused by incorrect posture, tension in the back/chest muscles or by carrying heavy bags on one side. This leads to stiffening of the joints between the ribs and the thoracic vertebrae, so that these are manifested by severe pain during certain movements.
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