Muscular Pain in the Chest – Causes and Treatments
Muscular Pain in Chest, Muscular pain in the chest can be a sign of many different conditions. Symptoms can range from Intercostal muscle strain to stress fracture and Fibromyalgia. Regardless of the underlying cause, a visit to a doctor can be helpful to determine the best treatment for chest pain. Your doctor[1] may order diagnostic tests, including an MRI, ultrasound, electrocardiogram, and blood tests. If you have been experiencing chest pain, describe it to your doctor as thoroughly as possible.
Intercostal muscle strain
If you are experiencing muscle pain in your chest, you may have suffered an intercostal muscle strain. The treatment for this condition can vary widely, but most patients recover fully with conservative care, which may include medication, physical therapy, or injections. Once the pain has been reduced and motion and strength[2] are restored, patients should gradually resume normal activities. A healthcare professional can also suggest appropriate stretches. This article outlines some common stretches and how to apply them to relieve muscle pain.
Although intercostal muscle strains are relatively common, some people are more prone to them than others. A strain of the intercostal muscles is relatively common, with an estimated 21% to 49% of people experiencing chest pain at some point in their lives. These strains are sometimes difficult to distinguish from other upper-body pain, however, so it is best to seek medical attention as soon as you notice discomfort.
The pain is usually mild to moderate. The pain may occur intermittently or may be accompanied by stiffness or swelling. If the pain interferes with sleep or daily activities, it’s best to see[3] a doctor. If breathing becomes difficult, the pain may be a sign of a more serious injury. A physician may also order a chest X-ray. Intercostal muscle strain is classified according to its severity. Mild intercostal muscle strains cause minimal movement and improve after two to three weeks.
In some cases, the pain is caused by an overextended intercostal muscle. Other causes of muscle pain in the chest include poor[4] posture or chronic overuse of the muscles. Fortunately, it’s not uncommon for a person to experience an intercostal muscle strain without medical help. For some, the pain can be relieved by putting an ice pack on the affected muscles and resting the muscles.
Pulled chest muscle
Many common causes of pulled chest muscle include: overhead activities, vehicular accidents, falls, sports, and bronchitis. Pulled chest muscle may also result from bronchitis or excessive coughing. Regardless of the cause, the first step is to visit your physician to find[5] out the proper treatment. If you experience chest pain that persists for more than a few days, see a medical professional to rule out other conditions. A physical exam will reveal whether or not you have a broken bone. If the injury isn’t serious, physical therapy[6] may be all you need to get back to normal.
Acute muscle strains are not life-threatening, but a mild pull can result in a dull ache. Acute pain from a pulled muscle usually passes within a few hours, but a more persistent ache may linger for days or even weeks. You may need surgery to repair the muscle or reduce your pain. While it may be possible to get back to normal activities, it’s still important[7] to rest the muscle and avoid doing strenuous activities for a few days.
Muscular pain from a pulled chest muscle may be accompanied by breast discomfort. The painful area is the pectoralis major muscle, which is located directly underneath the breast. While a pulled muscle may feel like a bulge in the breast, it’s important to recognize the difference. While some people experience breast pain, it’s important to seek medical treatment if you experience chest pain. There are many treatments available for pulled chest muscle, including injections and physical therapy.
An intercostal muscle strain is not a serious injury and usually heals by itself, although it can be difficult to determine[8] whether you have a more serious condition. The best course of action is to see your healthcare provider to rule out other conditions, such as a fracture or dislocated bone. You may also want to get an electrocardiogram to rule out other problems. If your chest pain persists after three days, see a doctor to ensure it’s not something else.
Stress fractures
A stress fracture is a common type of bone injury that causes a muscular pain in the chest. If left untreated, this injury may lead to arthritis or surgery. To treat a stress fracture, you must stop all activities that aggravate the injury and consult a doctor. The right treatment[9] may help your condition heal more quickly, and it is essential that you avoid reoccurring stress fractures. The following information will help you choose the right treatment for your injury.
The most common symptom of a stress fracture is a dull pain that increases in intensity with increased impact activity. Afterwards, the pain will subside. You may notice that the area becomes swollen and warm to touch. Your doctor may want to perform imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis. These tests are done in the NYU Langone Orthopedic Center and can take about an hour. The pain may not be severe, but the pain may interfere with your movement.
While stress fractures of the ribs are extremely rare, they can result from repeated or increased loads. During exercise, a stress fracture can occur in any rib, including the first rib. Rowers and weightlifters are at risk of developing stress fractures in the ribs. The pain from this type of fracture[10] can worsen without rest. Minor trauma to the area, abdominal crunches, and other exercises may cause pain in this region. In some cases, local inflammation may also occur in the xiphoid process.
Stress fractures of the bones in the lower leg or foot usually occur due to repeated impact or overuse. This occurs when muscles become tired and cannot absorb the shock as easily. The pain increases during[11] the workout, and then disappears after rest. Typically, stress fractures occur in the lower leg and foot, but they can occur in anyone. Stress fractures are most common in athletes and track athletes who carry heavy weights for long periods of time. However, they can occur in the same area as a new exercise routine.
Fibromyalgia
Although the condition is usually asymptomatic, patients may experience some physical symptoms such as chest[12] pain. These may be harmless, but can lead to more serious medical conditions. For example, people who suffer from fibromyalgia are more prone to heart attacks than those who do not suffer from the condition. As a result, it is vital that a patient seek medical advice when experiencing chest pain.
To diagnose fibromyalgia, patients should undergo a structured interview. This interview includes standardized questions about the presence of chest pain, as well as other musculoskeletal symptoms. Patients[13] are also asked whether they have pain in the left side or right side. Other symptoms to look for are pain in the lower body and Raynaud’s phenomenon. Patients also had to complete the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety Questionnaire.
Pain in the chest is the most common symptom of fibromyalgia. It can be stabbing or aching and can even simulate a heart[14] attack. Pain can extend to other parts of the body, including the arms and shoulders. Patients may also experience rib cage pain. These symptoms may be separate from fibromyalgia, but they are similar to each other.
Treatment for fibromyalgia can include antidepressants and muscle relaxants. In addition, patients may be prescribed CPAP machines for sleep apnea. It is also a good idea to practice a regular sleep routine. If possible, try to avoid[15] alcohol and other smoking as these may worsen the condition. It is also important to get regular sleep, as these are two of the biggest causes of fibromyalgia symptoms.
Pulled ribs
Pulling the ribs and muscle pain in the chest may be painful and require medical attention. Various treatments are available for these injuries. Cold therapy can be applied to the affected area several times per day for two days. You can also use an ice bag, gel cold pack, plastic bag with frozen veggies, or an ice cube. Heat is also effective for relieving pain[16] and relaxing muscles. Apply heat to the injured area for 20 minutes at a time with a heating pad or a warm, moist towel.
Muscular pain in the chest and pulled ribs are caused by inflammation of the muscles. Inflammation and muscle tightness are common symptoms of strained muscles. It is important to see a doctor if you experience a coughing fit or have any of these symptoms. A medical professional will be able to identify the exact cause of the pain. A coughing fit can worsen a pulled rib or muscle pain.[17]
Muscular pain and pulled ribs are common conditions resulting from trauma to the chest. Chest trauma is a serious matter that can have life-threatening consequences. Pulled ribs and muscle pain[18] in the chest can be caused by multiple types of injuries. If one of them is severe, the pain in the ribs may interfere with daily activities. So, when it comes to rib pain, the sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you can get medical care.
The symptoms of costochondritis include[19] aching or sharp pain near the breastbone. The pain increases with deep breathing or physical activity. In some cases, the symptoms of costochondritis can be confused with heart attack symptoms. A physical examination is required to diagnose the condition. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to alleviate the pain and inflammation. In rare cases, a corticosteroid injection may be performed.[20]
