Chest pain can be frightening since we all associate chest pain with the heart. Of course, you should first see your primary care doctor if you suspect your chest pain is a cardiac problem. There can also be chest pain due to esophageal disorders. So the chiropractor treats chest pain from musculoskeletal causes. And musculoskeletal causes account for approximately 13 % to 30% of chest pain cases. Here are 6 causes of neck and chest pain a chiropractor can help with to learn about.
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Muscle Strain or arthritis
You may have osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis) in your cervical spine (neck). So the chest pain can be a referral from your neck problem. Furthermore, you may have also strained a muscle. Even a single event or repetitive overuse event can cause this. These activities could be weight lifting, cleaning the house or moving furniture. Exceeding the limits of a muscle’s ability to withstand a given load or overstretching the muscle is a culprit. This may cause damage to the muscle or tendon.The main muscles to consider in your chest are the pectoralis major and minor, the serratus anterior (fan-shaped muscle at the side of chest), and the intercostals (muscles that run between the ribs).
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Tietze’s Syndrome
This occurs mostly in women over 50 years old. The syndrome causes moderate to severe pain in the upper part of your chest on one side with swelling. An inflammatory reaction would be present at the clavicle (collarbone), sternum (breastbone) and rib areas. The cause is unknown, but cases have occurred due to overexertion. For example, prolonged coughing or exertion such as moving furniture. It is bilateral (both sides) in 30% of cases.
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Costochondritis
This occurs in women younger than 50 years old. Costochondritis is similar to Tietze’s syndrome. However, costochondritis is distinct in that it involves multiple rib articulations (joints). Again, the cause is unknown. Laboratory testing is done in individuals suspected of having an underlying rheumatoid etiology (chronic inflammatory disorder cause).
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Slipped Rib
A slipped rib may cause a popping or clunking sensation in the lower ribs, usually associated with an exertion maneuver such as a bench press or other lifting maneuver. Your rib may pop in and out with a specific type of maneuver. Here loosening of the lower costal cartilages occurs. This is often due to direct trauma or constant over contraction of the chest muscles which allows the rib tip to curl upward. Chest pain may result if this impinges on a rib or an intercostal nerve.
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Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia occurs more in women (5 :1). You will have aching, fatigued, and stiff sensations in multiple muscle groups. Yet again, the cause is unknown. It maybe due to a disturbance in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Cold, damp weather, fatigue, a sedentary position or overexertion, mental stress, and poor posture may make it worse. A minimum of 11 of 18 bilateral (both sides) tender areas designated by the American College of Rheumatology is used for diagnosis. Heat therapy, mild to moderate exercise, and stress reduction are recommended.
- Intercostal Neuritis
Intercostal Neuritis pain occurs unilaterally (one sided), extending in a band around the chest. It may be idiopathic (unknown cause), or the result of herpes zoster (shingles), diabetes, or a osteophytic encroachment (due to wear and tear arthritis).
Herpes zoster is due to a varicella virus infection. Firstly, it is the same virus as in the chicken pox. Secondly, it can happen during periods of emotional or physical stress. Thirdly, the pain is followed in 3 to 5 days by a vesicular rash (fluid filled rash).
Lastly, your pain could be due to a rib subluxation (chiropractic misalignment) which may be determined by your chiropractor.
Getting regular chiropractic care from a West Palm Beach chiropractor can relieve your neck and chest pain naturally. Moreover, chiropractic is a holistic and natural way to not only treat existing injuries, but to keep your body in its best working condition.
Contact Meiri Chiropractic today at 561-253-8984 on the 6 causes of neck and chest pain a chiropractor can help with or/and other ailments.