Pain in the upper right chest is usually not an indication of a cardiac event but more likely the result of a pulled rib muscle, gallbladder problems or liver inflammation. When the pain is felt only on the right or left side of the chest and not in the center of the chest, it is not likely to be cardiac ischemia, according to Utdol.com. If a patient is capable of pointing his finger at one specific area of pain, that is an indication that the cause is not cardiac ischemia. However, if you are experiencing any type of chest pain, you should contact your physician.
Subluxation
One cause of right upper chest pain is rib subluxation, according to Babyboomercaretaker.com. Subluxation of the rib means that one or more of the ribs have been slightly displaced, which causes pain. The pain may come from your back around to the front and can get worse when you are breathing deeply. If you lean over, the pain will get worse. Usually this condition will resolve itself in a week or two.
Considerations
Inflammation of the liver or hepatitis can result in right-side chest pain. Hepatitis attacks the liver. Right-side chest pain can also be indication of a problem with your pancreas or gall bladder. Both the gall bladder and pancreas are situated in the upper abdomen. When either organ becomes inflamed, this can cause pain that radiates from the front of your chest around to your back.
Gallstones
When bile and cholesterol crystallize in your gallbladder, gallstones can form. When you have gallstones, the pain will ascend to your chest. This pain can be severe. If you already have heart problems, gallstones can prompt chest pains.
Features
Familydoctor.org explains that gallbladder problems can create a feeling of pain and fullness under your breastbone or in the upper right side of your abdomen, which is right underneath your right chest area.
Possibility
Right-side chest pain can be caused by costochondritis, which impacts the sternum between the chest bone and the ribs. Costochondritis is one of the outcomes of a condition called fibromyalgia. If you have costochondritis, you will be able to feel pain when you move your upper torso or when you make contact with your ribs. The pain is usually felt in the left side, but it can occur on the right side or both sides.
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