Right-Sided Chest Pain After ATV Riding: Causes and Solutions

Experiencing pain radiating from the right side of the back near the sternum?

Hello Dr.
Hong,
Last week, I went on a trip with friends and after riding what I believe is called an ATV, I returned home (I was carrying a professional camera at the time, and since it was my first time riding, I bumped into things several times, but I didn't feel any discomfort or injury at that moment).
However, the next day when I woke up, I felt pain radiating from the right side of my back near the sternum.
I thought little of it and continued to work, assuming it was just muscle soreness from not exercising regularly.

However, during the forty-five-minute car ride back to the office, I experienced significant pain whenever I sat down or stood up.
Within five minutes of sitting, the pain would shoot to my head, reminiscent of the pain I felt when I injured the ligament in my finger years ago, which took three months to heal.
Gradually, I noticed that as long as I was sitting and typing on the computer, looking to the left or up would trigger pain, especially when carrying something, causing me to sweat and my hands to tremble.

I consulted a Western medicine doctor who suggested that I had injured a nerve, but after taking medication, the situation remained unchanged.
The pain seems to radiate down to my arm, and at times, I experience a tingling sensation.

Could you please advise me on what condition I might have and whether I should see an orthopedic specialist? Thank you for your response.

Best regards,
Muumi

muumi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/06/27

Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics

Based on the symptoms you described, it seems to be a strain of the back muscles.
If it is indeed a back muscle strain, a rest period of 2 to 3 weeks is necessary, followed by some physical rehabilitation therapy.
During this time, heat therapy or symptomatic treatment can be applied.
However, to ensure there are no other skeletal injuries, please visit an orthopedic clinic for a detailed examination to avoid any delays in treatment.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2005/06/27

More Info

Hello Muumi,
Thank you for sharing your experience regarding the right-sided chest pain following your ATV riding adventure. Based on the symptoms you've described, it sounds like you may be dealing with a combination of musculoskeletal strain and possibly nerve involvement, particularly given the nature of your activities and the subsequent pain.

Possible Causes of Your Symptoms
1. Muscle Strain: Given that you were riding an ATV and carrying a camera, it’s possible that you strained the muscles in your back or chest. This type of strain can occur from sudden movements, awkward positions, or even prolonged tension while holding a heavy object. Muscle strains can lead to localized pain that may worsen with certain movements or positions, such as sitting or twisting.

2. Nerve Compression or Injury: The pain radiating to your arm and the sensation of numbness could indicate nerve involvement. This might be due to a herniated disc in the cervical spine or thoracic spine, which can compress nerves that travel down the arm. Alternatively, it could be a result of thoracic outlet syndrome, where nerves or blood vessels are compressed in the space between your collarbone and your first rib.

3. Referred Pain: Sometimes, pain from one area of the body can be felt in another. For example, issues with the spine or ribs can cause pain that feels like it’s coming from the chest or back.
4. Costochondritis: This is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the sternum. It can cause sharp pain in the chest area, especially when moving or taking deep breaths.

Recommended Actions
1. Consult a Specialist: Given the persistence and severity of your symptoms, it would be wise to consult with an orthopedic specialist or a neurologist. They can perform a thorough examination and may recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI or X-ray, to assess for any structural issues in your spine or ribs.

2. Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can help you with exercises to strengthen the muscles around your spine and improve your posture, which may alleviate some of the pain. They can also teach you techniques to manage pain and improve mobility.

3. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. However, it’s essential to follow the dosage instructions and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any underlying health conditions.

4. Rest and Activity Modification: Avoid activities that exacerbate your pain, especially those that involve heavy lifting or awkward positions. Gradually reintroducing activities as tolerated can help prevent further injury.

5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, noting any changes in pain intensity, the presence of numbness, or weakness in your arm. If you experience worsening symptoms, such as severe pain, loss of function, or changes in bowel or bladder control, seek immediate medical attention.

Conclusion
Your symptoms warrant a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. While it may be tempting to attribute the pain to muscle soreness from your ATV ride, the nature of your symptoms suggests that further investigation is necessary. Consulting with a healthcare professional will provide you with a clearer understanding of your condition and the best path forward for recovery.

Take care, and I hope you find relief soon!

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