Chest pain is confusing, as it might mimic heart pain. Not all chest pain indicates a heart-related problem, as a large number of chest pain cases happen due to chest muscle pain. This type of pain arises due to muscle strain in the chest or due to complicated issues such as chest inflammation and a dislocated rib.
To know more about what chest muscle pain feels like? It is important to know about its early signs and causes so that the right treatment option can be adopted in advance.
In this blog, we’ll illustrate details about chest muscle pain, including its causes, early signs, and recovery options.
What is Chest Muscle Pain?
Chest muscle pain causes discomfort in the chest. It closely mimics heart-related issues, but is caused by muscle strain in the chest, inflammation in the chest, injuries in the chest, or problems related to the rib cage.
If you have ever thought, ” Can you pull a muscle in your chest?, the answer to it is yes, chest muscle pain can also be caused by a pulled chest muscle and leads to serious chest discomfort.
How does it feel?
Chest muscle pain feels like a sharp, stabbing pain, mostly experienced while moving or breathing. This pain gets worse while stretching or twisting. You might experience this pain on either the right side or the left side.
If you ever experience a sudden pain in the chest, it is best recommended to visit an emergency care centre. At ER of Mesquite, we are a 24/7 open emergency care centre to facilitate you with the best urgent medical treatment.
Common causes of chest muscle pain
This pain appears due to different reasons. The severity of this pain can also be judged through its cause. By knowing its underlying cause, you can take the right medical treatment and recover soon.
Muscle Strain in the Chest
This is the most common cause of chest pain. It occurs due to heavy lifting, twisting, and heavy exercise. It might cause a pulled chest muscle, which is a sharp pain that gets worse upon twisting.
Rib Cage Muscle Pain
The ribcage muscle, also known as the intercostal muscles, at times gets injured, which causes a stabbing pain in the chest. This type of pain is called rib cage muscle pain that can be mistaken for heart pain.
Chest Inflammation
If the chest gets inflamed, then it might also cause chest muscle pain. Costochondritis is one such kind of pain caused by inflammation of cartilage.
Slipped Rib
A slipped rib or dislocated rib also causes chest muscle pain. This happens when the ribs move slightly away from their exact position due to heavy sports activity or trauma.
Surgery or injury
Pneumonia after surgery or an accident can also cause discomfort in the chest. This pain could be mild or severe, depending on the severity of complications or the accident.
How to Tell if Chest Pain is Muscular or Lung-Related?
It is difficult to differentiate whether chest pain is caused by muscular pain or lung-related issues. By understanding the difference between muscular chest pain and a lung-related issue, you can implement the right treatment plan.
Chest pain caused by lung issues causes deep ache pain, sharp discomfort while breathing, high fever, and chills due to infection. It causes no tenderness when pressed, unlike muscular pain, which gets worse upon pressing.
Chest muscle pain causes tenderness upon pressing and gets worse upon moving or twisting. It causes breathing-related issues and can appear on either the left side or the right side.
The best way to identify whether the chest pain is muscular or lung-related is through medical examinations, such as a digital X-ray.
Symptoms of a Pulled Chest Muscle
A pulled chest muscle happens when the muscle fibers get overstretched or torn. By knowing its early signs, you can prevent the pain from getting worse.
Below are a few common signs of chest muscle pain
- Sharp and aching pain in the chest
- Pain that increases upon movement
- Swelling and mild bruising
- Pain in the ribcage while breathing
- Tenderness in the chest wall upon pressing
Chest Pain vs Heart Pain
Chest wall pain or chest pain differs from heart pain, but people confuse them due to their position. The table below elaborates on the difference between chest pain and heart pain.
| Aspect | Chest Pain | Heart Pain |
| Location | Pain occurs on the chest wall on the left, right, or both sides. | Pain occurs in the central area, radiating to the arm, jaw or back. |
| Pain Type | Sharp, stabbing pain that gets worse on movement. | Causes heavy squeezing or pressure sensation. |
| Treatment | Chest pain treatment, heat/ice therapy, and rest. | Watch for signs of a heart attack, take medications, and get it checked. |
| Duration | Stays for minutes, weeks, or months, depending upon the cause. | Appears frequently in minutes until not treated. |
Chest Pain on left side vs right side
Chest pain caused by a slipped rib, injury, trauma, or inflammation in the chest can appear on the left side, right side, or both. Pain in either of these sides is slightly different, and it is important to understand the difference. By knowing how the pain on the left side or right side feels, you can take necessary actions.
Chest Pain on Left Side
It is commonly caused due to muscular issues, pulled chest muscle, inflammation in the chest, and muscle strain are a few of its common causes.
Since heart pain is also caused on the left side, this pain might mimic it. Pain in the heart is usually heavier and causes no tenderness upon touching, whereas chest pain gets worse upon movement and causes tenderness upon touching.
Chest Pain on Right Side
Pain in the side of the chest is caused by rib cage muscle pain, coughing, or strenuous activities. If pain occurs in the side of the chest, then people often confuse it with lung-related issues. Chest pain on the left is sharp stabbing pain that gets worse upon movement.
Confused about chest pain? Visit us at the ER of Mesquite, where we will help you identify the cause of chest pain and explain necessary treatment options.
Chest Muscle Pain Treatment
Different treatment options are available for chest muscle pain. The right treatment is selected depending on the cause of chest pain and its severity.
Below are a few treatment options for chest muscle pain:
Ice/Heat Therapy
This works by applying ice for 15-20 minutes during the first 48 hours to reduce swelling. After 2 days, apply heat to improve blood circulation.
Rest
Take proper rest and minimize physical activities until the muscle heals properly. Once recovered, do some minor stretching activities.
Chest Muscle Pain Medicines
Take necessary anti-inflammatories, pain relief, and muscle relaxants as recommended by the doctor.
Therapy
Physical therapy and gentle stretching exercises can ease the pain and improve blood circulation.
Don’t Ignore Your Chest Muscle Pain
Pain in the chest muscle can be problematic, as it might be caused by serious underlying health issues. It is caused due to different reasons such as muscle strain, chest inflammation, and rib cage muscle pain. Chest muscle pain can cause issues, including sharp pain in the chest area, pain upon breathing and moving, and tenderness upon pressing.
There are different chest muscle pain treatments, including rest, ice/heat therapy, and medications, but the right treatment can be recommended by the doctor. Whether the chest pain is mild or serious, implementing the right treatment helps with quick recovery.
If you’re experiencing chest muscle pain and feel serious discomfort, then do not hesitate to visit the ER of Mesquite or contact us at +1 469-649-1007 to book an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What causes chest muscle pain?
It can be caused due to injury, muscle strains, trauma, and rib cage muscle pain.
Is chest muscle pain muscular?
Yes, it is muscular pain, and you might experience pain while moving and breathing.
How to identify whether it’s chest muscle pain or heart pain?
Chest muscle occurs in the wall of the chest, whereas heart pain appears in the central area of the chest.
How to treat chest muscle pain?
It can be treated with proper rest, ice/heat therapy, medications, and exercises
Is rib cage muscle pain and chest muscle pain the same?
Yes, but chest muscle pain does not happen only because of rib cage muscle pain.
