What Are the Causes of Non-Radiating Chest Pain?

Non-radiating chest pain, which is characterized by discomfort that remains localized to a specific area of the chest rather than spreading or moving to other parts of the body, has many potential causes including:

• Heart attack - A heart attack (myocardial infarction) is a serious medical condition where blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, causing damage or death to heart tissue. It is one of the leading causes of non-radiating chest pain and requires immediate medical attention.
• Acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) - A common digestive condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation and discomfort in the chest area. This pain typically worsens after eating or when lying down.
• Costochondritis (inflammation of rib cartilage) - A common inflammatory condition where the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone becomes inflamed and tender, causing localized chest pain that often worsens with movement or deep breathing. This condition, while uncomfortable, is generally not dangerous and can be managed with anti-inflammatory medications and rest.
• Muscle strain or injury in the chest area - This occurs when the muscles between the ribs, in the chest wall, or in the upper torso become strained or injured through physical activity, overuse, or sudden movements. The resulting pain is typically sharp, localized, and tends to worsen with movement or when pressure is applied to the affected area.
• Esophageal spasms or disorders - This refers to conditions where the muscles in the esophagus contract abnormally, causing chest pain and difficulty swallowing. These disorders can cause discomfort that may mimic other types of chest pain and are often related to problems with the movement of food through the esophagus.
• Anxiety or stress-related chest pain - When experiencing high levels of anxiety or emotional stress, the body can respond with physical symptoms including chest pain. This type of pain is often described as a tight, pressing sensation in the chest that may be accompanied by rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and other symptoms of anxiety. While the pain is real and can be distressing, it is typically not related to heart problems and tends to improve as the underlying anxiety or stress is addressed.

While this list includes common and serious causes of chest pain, there are many others as well. If your chest pain persists or worsens, it's important to seek medical attention—a doctor can properly diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.