What causes chest tightness and pain at the clavicle area, and what should be done about it?

Jun 04, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Chest tightness and pain around the clavicle may be related to excessive exercise, intercostal neuralgia, myocardial infarction, or other causes. Treatment options include appropriate rest, medication, surgery, and other interventions. If the pain is severe or accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty breathing, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Chest tightness and pain around the clavicle may be related to excessive exercise, intercostal neuralgia, acute myocardial infarction, and other causes. Treatment options include appropriate rest, medication, surgery, etc. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Excessive Exercise

When engaging in heavy physical labor or intense exercise, muscles may go into spasm due to overstretching, leading to symptoms such as pain and shortness of breath. It is recommended to avoid overexertion in daily life and allow for adequate rest after fatigue, which can help improve symptoms.

2. Intercostal Neuralgia

Intercostal neuralgia refers to an aseptic inflammatory infection affecting the intercostal nerves, which may cause compressive pain in the rib area, feelings of suffocation, or a sense of impending doom. Patients may take medications such as celecoxib capsules or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules as directed by a physician. If necessary, surgical treatments such as intercostal nerve terminal block or radiofrequency-controlled thermocoagulation may also be used.

3. Acute Myocardial Infarction

Acute myocardial infarction is a condition caused by myocardial ischemia or hypoxia, which may lead to symptoms including chest pain, chest tightness, and a sensation of blockage in the precordial area. Patients may take medications such as nitroglycerin tablets or suxiao jiuxin pills as prescribed to alleviate symptoms. When necessary, procedures such as cardiac stent implantation or coronary angioplasty may be performed.

In addition to the common causes mentioned above, chest pain may also be associated with rib fractures, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastric ulcers, pulmonary embolism, and other conditions. If pain is severe or accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty breathing, prompt medical evaluation is recommended to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.


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