What Causes Pain in the Left Front and Back Chest Area for Women?
Female Pain in the Left Front and Back Chest: Causes and Treatments
Pain in the left front and back chest area of a female can stem from both physiological and pathological factors, including costochondritis, breast lobular hyperplasia, and shoulder-back fasciitis. If symptoms persist without relief, prompt medical attention and relevant examinations are recommended, followed by corresponding measures based on the underlying cause. Detailed explanations are as follows:
Physiological Causes
Physiological causes may include poor posture, intense exercise, or excessive fatigue, leading to local muscle damage. Warmth preservation, enhanced local massage, and adequate rest are generally effective in gradually alleviating these symptoms.
Pathological Causes
1. Costochondritis: This can be triggered by previous trauma, viral infections, or chronic strain. Symptoms include local swelling, tenderness, and chest pain, sometimes accompanied by radiating back pain. If pain is pronounced, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, or Meloxicam can be prescribed.
2. Breast Lobular Hyperplasia: Closely related to the endocrine status of estrogen and progesterone, breast lobular hyperplasia occurs when estrogen levels are high relative to progesterone due to hormonal imbalances. While mostly benign, some women experience cyclical breast pain that synchronizes with their menstrual cycle, intensifying before menstruation and easing or disappearing afterward. Regular breast massage and heat packs can help, and NSAIDs like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or Acetaminophen may be prescribed for severe pain.
3. Shoulder-Back Fasciitis: This is an aseptic inflammation of the shoulder and back muscles, often caused by sports injuries or exposure to cold drafts. It leads to pain and movement difficulties. Symptoms can be alleviated through heat therapy, massage, acupuncture, infrared radiation, and NSAIDs like Acetaminophen or Nimesulide under medical guidance to reduce inflammation and pain.
Apart from the above, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease may also cause similar symptoms. If symptoms persist despite rest, prompt medical attention is advised.