When it comes to breast health, mammograms are one of the most trusted screening tools for early detection of breast cancer. However, many women feel nervous before their appointment, not just about the results but also about the procedure itself. A question that sometimes pops up is: “Can a mammogram cause costochondritis?” Let’s clear this confusion once and for all.

What Is Costochondritis?

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects your ribs to your breastbone. This condition causes sharp chest pain, which can sometimes feel like a heart attack. The pain may get worse when you take deep breaths, exercise, or press on the area.

While it sounds scary, costochondritis is usually harmless and goes away on its own. Doctors are not always sure what causes it, but common triggers include:

Where the Confusion Comes From

Many women associate chest pain with costochondritis after a mammogram because of the pressure applied during the test. However, this discomfort is temporary soreness in the breast tissue or chest muscles, not inflammation of the rib cartilage.

Think of it like mild muscle pain after exercising — your body reacts to pressure or movement, but that doesn’t mean you have a serious condition.

Can Mammograms Really Cause Costochondritis?

The simple answer is no. Mammograms are safe and do not cause costochondritis. The compression during a mammogram is not strong enough to injure your rib cartilage.

If you already have costochondritis, the test may feel more uncomfortable, but it won’t make the condition worse. In fact, mammograms have been performed safely on millions of women worldwide, and there is no scientific evidence linking the test to this inflammation.