Most chest pain is not a sign of anything serious but you should get medical advice just in case. Get immediate medical help if you think you're having a heart attack. You have sudden chest pain that: You could be having a heart attack. Call 999 immediately as you need immediate treatment in hospital.
It's important to get medical advice to make sure it's nothing serious. Common causes of chest painChest pain has many different causes. In most cases, chest pain is not caused by a heart problem. Your symptoms might give you an idea of the cause. Don't self-diagnose – see a GP if you're worried. Possible causes
Chest pain and heart problemsThe most common heart problems that cause chest pain include:
You're more likely to have heart problems if you're older or know you're at risk of coronary heart disease. For example, if you:
Page last reviewed: 14 August 2020 On its own, back pain is not always a concern, although it can be uncomfortable. But when back pain and chest pain happen at the same time, it could be a sign of a serious health problem. It’s important to understand when chest and back pain is an emergency and what to do about it, as well as when it may resolve on its own. What is Chest and Back Pain?Chest and back pain can occur for many reasons. The exact location, severity, and timing of pain can help pinpoint the cause. The pain in your chest and back may be constant or it might come and go. It could be dull, sharp, throbbing, or stabbing. When you talk to your doctor about back and chest pain, be as specific as possible and tell them:
Some causes of chest and back pain include muscle strains, gastrointestinal issues, heart disease, or lung problems. If you experience chest and back pain that is new, lasts more than a few minutes, or is concerning, get evaluated by a health care provider. Experiencing chest and back pain? Chat with a doctor through K Health. get started Symptoms of Chest and Back PainSymptoms of chest and back pain can include:
Causes of Chest and Back PainThere are many causes of chest and back pain. Many of these are not dangerous and can be safely managed at home or discussed with your primary care provider. However, chest and back pain can also be a sign of a more serious condition. Common CausesPain that occurs in the upper right abdomen or right side of the back as a dull, sharp, or cramping feeling may be related to the following:
If your chest and back pain only occurs when breathing out or coughing, it could be related to any of the following:
If the pain you experience in the chest and back happens while you are lying down or resting, it could be a sign of the following:
Other causes of chest and back can include:
Serious CausesPain that is located to the left or center of the back, in combination with chest pain, could be related to a heart condition or heart problems. If you experience chest pain along with back pain, seek emergency medical care. This could be a sign of a heart attack or other serious condition.
Pericarditis: Pericarditis inflammation of the sac that surrounds the heart. This can be caused by a viral illness or other causes. Pericarditis pain often feels better when leaning forward and worse when leaning back or lying down. It is constant and may be accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, or a rapid heart rate. When to Go to the ER’ If you develop severe chest and back pain that does not improve after a few minutes, pain that worsens over time or is worsened by physical activity, or pain that occurs with other symptoms like dizziness, nausea, fever, sweating, or shortness of breath, you should go to the ER immediately or call an ambulance. If you have chest and back pain that are milder and do not feel like an emergency to you, contact your doctor or health care provider about your symptoms. If it is after-hours, don’t hesitate to be seen in an ER if your symptoms worsen. Diagnosing Chest and Back PainDo not try to self-diagnose chest and back pain. While many causes are common and don’t lead to serious consequences if left untreated, it is not always easy to tell. See your doctor or healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and to avoid severe complications. Your doctor will diagnose chest and back pain in one or more of the following ways:
In many cases, a physical exam, history, and electrocardiogram are the only tests that are needed, but your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate test for your symptoms. After the results of the examination and tests, your provider will be able to give you a diagnosis and a better idea of how to manage your chest and back pain. Treating Chest and Back PainTreatment for your chest and back pain depends on what is causing it. An accurate diagnosis is essential to get relief from your symptoms. For digestive conditions, you may need to alter your diet or take medication to help manage symptoms. To treat heart conditions, you may need to make lifestyle changes, diet alterations, and take medication. For other causes of chest or back pain, your provider will give you clear instructions on how to treat or manage your condition. Preventing Chest and Back PainIt is not always possible to prevent chest and back pain. However, for many conditions, you can be proactive about your health to avoid developing symptoms.
Experiencing chest and back pain? Chat with a doctor through K Health. get started If you experience new or severe chest and back pain, you should check with your doctor, especially if it continues to worsen or is accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath or dizziness. When in doubt, if your chest and back pain concern you, visit an ER and follow up with your doctor for ongoing care. How K Health Can HelpDid you know you can get affordable virtual primary care with K Health? Check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed, text with a healthcare provider in minutes. K Health’s AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and is based on 20 years of clinical data. Frequently Asked QuestionsIs chest pain always considered serious? No, chest pain is not always a sign of a medical emergency. However, since it can be, or sometimes might be the only symptom, you should always have a medical professional diagnose new or unknown chest pain, especially if it continues to worsen or is accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, and dizziness. Can COVID-19 cause chest pain? According to the CDC, chest pain is a symptom of Covid, which may also include shortness of breath. If your chest pain is severe or accompanied by trouble breathing, you should seek emergency medical attention. How long can chest pain last? Depending on the cause of chest pain, it can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few hours, or it can be a chronic problem. You should always have chest pain evaluated by a physician to avoid complications and to ensure that you are effectively treating it. K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Why does my right chest and right back hurt?Chest and back pain can be a cause for concern, especially if a person has an underlying condition such as heart disease or cancer. Some other possible causes of chest and back pain include infections, digestive conditions, and injuries to muscle, bone, or other tissues within the chest.
What does it mean when your upper chest and upper back hurts?Pain that is located to the left or center of the back, in combination with chest pain, could be related to a heart condition or heart problems. If you experience chest pain along with back pain, seek emergency medical care. This could be a sign of a heart attack or other serious condition.
Should I be worried about chest pain on the right side?Right-sided chest pain may or may not be serious. Sometimes, this pain can signal a heart attack or collapsed lung. Other times, there might be a simple answer, such as gastroesophageal reflux or a muscle strain. Severe chest pain that comes along with other symptoms should be taken more seriously.
What organ is on the right side of your chest?The right side of the chest is home to the right lung, the right side of the heart, and the esophagus. Pain can originate from these organs or be due to problems with the spine, ribs, or upper abdominal organs.
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