Symptoms
Non-cardiac chest pain
Chest pain with normal cardiac workup often refers from pectoralis major, serratus anterior, intercostals and SCM.
Overview
Chest pain with normal cardiac workup often refers from pectoralis major, serratus anterior, intercostals and SCM. Identifying which muscle reproduces the patient's familiar pain on palpation guides treatment and often produces meaningful change alongside standard care.
Clinical notes
CARDIAC RULE-OUT FIRST. Treat the muscular contributor only after cardiac causes are excluded.
Red flags — when to refer
Crushing chest pain, dyspnea, sweating, radiation to jaw/arm — emergency referral.
Muscles often involved
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction