Causes of Chest Pain

Recent Chest Trauma

Cause of pain:

Chest trauma of any type can cause chest pain by causing rib fracture or muscle strain or contusion. Not infrequently, seemingly mild chest trauma (sliding into second base during a weekend softball game) can be forgotten when the chest pain becomes apparent a day or two later.

Characteristics of pain:

Chest pain caused by trauma is almost invariably localized, is often described as a soreness or a sharp pain. It usually worsens with breathing, and often the chest wall is tender to touch or to pressure.

Evaluation:

Chest pain caused by trauma usually becomes quite apparent after the doctor takes a complete medical history, and performs a physical examination. Sometimes a chest x-ray helps in making the diagnosis.

Back to main page for Chest Pain