There can be many medical reasons for chest, rib and upper back pain including heart and lung conditions, infections and trauma incidences like fractures.

However, once that has been ruled out a diagnosis to be considered is costochondritis.

The condition is classified as inflammation of the costochondral junction of the ribs (where the bone and cartilage meet) or of the costosternal joints (where the ribs connect to the chest bone). The issue is normally unilateral (one sided) but can sometimes be bilateral.