A person with pneumonia may experience a sharp or stabbing pain in the chest, which worsens when coughing or breathing deeply. A pulmonary embolism PE refers to a blockage of the blood vessels within the lungs. The most common cause is a blood clot. A PE stops blood from getting to the lungs and is, therefore, a medical emergency. A PE may also cause the following symptoms:. People who are concerned about a pulled muscle in the chest or other chest pain should visit their doctor, particularly if they are unsure of the cause.
A doctor will ask about their symptoms and medical history as well as any activities that may have caused or contributed to the pain. If a muscle strain is the cause, a doctor will categorize the injury according to one of the following three grades , depending on its severity:.
Grade 1 mild damage : There is damage to fewer than 5 percent of the individual muscle fibers. Strength and motion are minimally impaired. Recovery generally takes between 2 and 3 weeks. Grade 2 more extensive damage : The injury has affected more of the individual muscle fibers, but the muscle is not completely ruptured. There is a significant loss of strength and motion. The injury may take between 2 and 3 months to heal fully.
Grade 3 complete rupture of the muscle : A doctor may be able to feel a defect within the muscle during a physical examination. In some cases, a person may need surgery to reattach the damaged muscle. A doctor may recommend following the RICE procedure for the first 24—48 hours following the injury.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, can help relieve pain and inflammation. For severe or persistent pain, a doctor may prescribe stronger analgesics, muscle relaxants, or both to reduce painful muscle spasms.
Sometimes, a pulled muscle in the chest is due to a persistent cough. Taking cough medicine can help stop coughing fits, minimizing further strain on the intercostal muscles. Pay attention to any discomfort or other symptoms you experience and rest when necessary.
Your recovery time depends on the severity of your strain. Mild pulls may heal as soon as two or three weeks after injury. Follow any specific instructions your doctor gives you for the best results. Trying to do too much too soon may aggravate or worsen your injury. Listening to your body is key. Complications from chest injuries may affect your breathing. If your strain makes breathing difficult or keeps you from breathing deeply, you may be at risk of developing a lung infection. Your doctor may be able to suggest breathing exercises to help.
Most chest muscle strains can be treated at home. Your intercostal muscles lie between your ribs. A strain in this area can cause pain and difficulty breathing. Here's how to treat it. Here's what may be causing your pain and when to see your doctor. Eating the right foods after workouts is important for muscle gain, recovery, and performance. Consult with your doctor before taking over-the-counter medication together with your normal medication.
Cold therapy can help ease your pain and reduce inflammation of the muscle. Apply a cold pack to the injured area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day for the first two days. You can use an ice bag, a gel cold pack , a plastic bag filled with ice and wrapped in a towel, or even a bag of frozen veggies. After the first 48 hours, you may want to start using heat on the injured ribs. Heat can help loosen and relax the muscles so you can do your physical therapy.
You can apply heat for 20 minutes at a time with a heating pad or a warm damp towel. As part of your heat therapy, you may want to take a warm bath with magnesium sulfate Epsom salts added. You can find Epsom salts at your local drug store or online at Amazon. Simply add about 2 cups to your bath, and soak for 15 or more minutes. The dissolved minerals absorb through your skin and may slightly increase your blood levels of magnesium. Magnesium is an important mineral for muscle function.
Although the small amount of magnesium absorbed from your bath is unlikely to actually do anything to help your strained muscles, the hot bath can help you relax. Breathing with an intercostal muscle strain is painful. But taking only shallow breaths —instead of full, deep breaths — can lead to infection and pneumonia.
Deep breathing exercises can also be a form of meditation to reduce stress. Try to do a few minutes of breathing exercises every hour. For example:.
The three layers of intercostal muscles attach the ribs to each other and lie between them. Their function is to assist in breathing and stabilize the upper body. Like any muscles or tendons in the human body, these can be strained or injured. Many activities can cause a pull to the intercostal muscles such as straining while twisting, repetitive motions or falling but one of the most common reasons for straining the muscles around the ribs, especially in seniors, is coughing or sneezing.
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