Overview

Chest pain is not always a sign that something is wrong with your heart or that you have another serious problem. The doctor thinks your chest pain is caused by strained muscles or ligaments, inflamed chest cartilage, or another problem in your chest, rather than by your heart. You may need more tests to find the cause of your chest pain.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• Rest and protect the sore area.
• Stop, change, or take a break from any activity that may be causing your pain or soreness.
• Put ice or a cold pack on the sore area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
• After 2 or 3 days, apply a heating pad set on low or a warm cloth to the area that hurts. Some doctors suggest that you go back and forth between hot and cold.
• Do not wrap or tape your ribs for support. This may cause you to take smaller breaths, which could increase your risk of lung problems.
• Mentholated creams such as Bengay or Icy Hot may soothe sore muscles. Follow the instructions on the package.
• Follow your doctor's instructions for exercising.
• Even if it hurts, try to cough or take the deepest breath you can at least once every hour. This will get air deeply into your lungs. This may reduce your chance of getting pneumonia. Hold a pillow against your chest to make this less painful.
• Gentle stretching and massage may help you get better faster. Stretch slowly to the point just before pain begins, and hold the stretch for at least 15 to 30 seconds. Do this 3 or 4 times a day. Stretch just after you have applied heat.
• As your pain gets better, slowly return to your normal activities. Any increased pain may be a sign that you need to rest a while longer.