CHEST WALL PAIN

  • Post-mastectomy pain syndrome is a chronic pain condition that can develop after breast surgery, such as a mastectomy, lumpectomy or reconstruction. It often results from nerve irritation or injury during surgery.

    Common symptoms:

    • Burning, stabbing or shooting pain in the chest, armpit, or arm

    • Tingling, numbness or “pins and needles” in the surgical area

    • Pain that worsens with movement of the arm or shoulder

    • Discomfort lasting longer than 3 months after surgery

    During breast surgery, small nerves in the chest or underarm can be stretched, cut or trapped in scar tissue, leading to persistent nerve-related pain.

    Treatment options:

  • Post-thoracotomy pain syndrome is chronic pain lasting more than 3 months after chest surgery, such as a thoracotomy (an incision between the ribs to access the lungs or heart).

    Common symptoms:

    • Sharp, burning or stabbing pain near the surgical scar or along the ribs

    • Tingling, numbness or skin sensitivity in the chest or upper back

    • Pain that spreads around the rib cage or into the shoulder

    • Discomfort that worsens with movement, coughing, or deep breathing

    During surgery, nerves between the ribs can be stretched, bruised, or injured, which may cause ongoing nerve-related pain even after the incision heals.

    Treatment options:

  • Rib fracture pain occurs after a break or crack in one or more ribs, often caused by a fall, accident or severe cough.

    Common symptoms:

    • Sharp chest pain with deep breaths, coughing, or movement

    • Difficulty breathing deeply or sleeping comfortably

    Because rib fractures are painful, many people take shallow breaths, which can increase the risk of pneumonia, lung collapse or breathing difficulties.

    Most rib fractures heal within 4–6 weeks with rest, breathing exercises and pain control. For severe pain, advanced treatments such as nerve blocks or cryoneurolysis can ease discomfort, help you breathe more fully and speed recovery.

    Treatment options:

  • Post-herpetic neuralgia is nerve pain that persists after shingles has healed. Shingles occurs when the chickenpox virus reactivates, often causing a painful rash on the chest or back. Even after the rash resolves, pain can remain in the same area.

    Common symptoms:

    • Burning, stabbing or shooting pain in the chest wall or ribs

    • Skin sensitivity — even light touch or clothing can feel painful

    • Tingling, numbness or itching in the affected area

    • Pain lasting more than 3 months after the shingles rash

    Shingles can damage the sensory nerves in the skin and chest wall, causing them to continue sending pain signals to the brain even after healing.

    Treatment options:

  • Thoracic radiculopathy occurs when a spinal nerve in the mid-back becomes pinched or irritated as it exits the spine — often due to a herniated disc, bone spur or spinal arthritis. This pressure can cause pain that radiates along the ribs or chest wall.

    Common symptoms:

    • Sharp, burning or electric-like pain that wraps around the chest or rib cage

    • Numbness, tingling or “pins and needles” in the mid-back or chest wall

    • Weakness or discomfort that makes deep breathing or twisting painful

    • Pain that worsens with coughing, sneezing or certain movements

    Because it affects the nerves between the ribs, thoracic radiculopathy often feels band-like and can mimic heart, lung or abdominal pain. A precise diagnosis and targeted treatment can relieve symptoms and restore function.

    Treatment options: