Thank you,
The thing is though, is that it's not a sharp pain... more like a strong dull (sore) pain. I looked up costochondritis and it seems like that might be more painful than what I'm experiencing....
thanks!
Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Chest pain aggravated by laughing yawning, moving in certain directions, stretching or deep breathing, goes more in favor of costochondritis, which causes pain and tenderness at points where your ribs attach to your breastbone. The inflammation around the joint area gives sharp pain on taking a breath. This can also cause tenderness on pressing the area which pains. An orthopedic doctor can diagnose this for you. Generally there is no cause. However it can be due to infection, blow, injury, or fibromyalgia. It usually goes away on its own. Otherwise it can be treated with muscle relaxants, and non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs. It can also be muscle pull. Shingles can also start this way.
Since it is difficult to diagnose on net and hence do discuss this with your doctor and get yourself examined.
Hope this helps. Take care!