Chest and rib pain after a car accident

Chest pain after a crash requires medical screening first

There is a lot packed behind the breastbone — heart, lungs, ribs, muscles, blood vessels — and chest pain can start in any of them(opens in a new tab). Some of those causes are serious, and none of them can be sorted out by pressing on the sore spot at home.

A crash adds injury on top of that. Chiropractic care does not come first for chest pain after a crash.

What to tell the medical provider

• Pressure, tightness, sharp pain, or tenderness.
• Trouble taking a breath.
• Pain with breathing or coughing.
• Dizziness, sweating, nausea, or fainting.
• Visible bruising or swelling.
• Abdominal pain.
• Seat-belt and airbag involvement.
• Whether symptoms are worsening.

Do not press again and again on a sore spot. Do not use that as a home diagnosis.

Musculoskeletal questions after urgent causes are addressed

A medical provider should check the chest first. If a separate muscle or joint problem remains, bring your discharge papers and reports. The office can then decide if a visit fits its scope.

If the concern is mainly along the belt or shoulder, the shoulder and seat-belt guide is more specific; the car accident care page explains the visit itself.

Frequently asked questions

Once the urgent causes have been ruled out, the symptom index covers what may be left — most often shoulder and seat-belt soreness or a soft-tissue complaint. If your head took a hit too, read concussion warning signs first.

Chest symptoms go to medical care. Everything else can wait for a phone call.

If a medical provider has looked at the chest question and you are still stiff, sore, or unable to reach the way you could before, call (740) 876-8394 and describe it. Bring the discharge papers if you have them. Prefer to be called back? Request a callback for scheduling basics.

This page provides general information. It cannot diagnose an injury or replace emergency or medical care.