A pulled chest muscle can make it difficult to breathe. This discomfort arises because chest muscles play an integral role in respiration. This article explores the connection between chest muscle strains and respiratory sensations, their indicators, and management strategies.
The Role of Chest Muscles in Respiration
Breathing relies on the coordinated action of several muscles that work to expand and contract the thoracic cavity. The diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the chest, is the primary muscle responsible for quiet breathing, contracting and flattening during inhalation. Assisting the diaphragm are the intercostal muscles, which are located between the ribs.
There are three layers of intercostal muscles: external, internal, and innermost. The external intercostals primarily facilitate inhalation by pulling the rib cage upward and outward, increasing chest volume. Conversely, the internal intercostals aid in forced exhalation by helping to depress the ribs, reducing chest volume and expelling air.
How Muscle Strain Affects Breathing
A pulled chest muscle, often referred to as an intercostal muscle strain, occurs when these muscles between the ribs are overstretched or torn. This injury can result from sudden movements, direct trauma, repetitive actions like twisting, or even forceful coughing. When an intercostal muscle is strained, the affected area becomes painful, especially with movement.
The pain from a strained chest muscle can significantly inhibit the full expansion of the rib cage during inhalation and exhalation. People may instinctively take shallower breaths to avoid increasing the pain, leading to a sensation of difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Muscle spasms in the injured area can further restrict normal respiratory movement. This directly impacts the chest’s ability to move freely, making deep breaths particularly uncomfortable.
Common Indicators of a Chest Muscle Strain
A primary indicator is localized pain, which can manifest as a sharp, aching, or throbbing sensation. This pain often intensifies with movements that involve the chest or upper body, such as twisting, stretching, or lifting. The affected area usually feels tender to the touch, and applying pressure to the ribs or the spaces between them can increase discomfort.
Pain also worsens with respiratory actions like coughing, sneezing, or taking a deep breath, contributing to breathlessness or the need to take shallow breaths. Other signs may include swelling, bruising, or muscle stiffness in the strained area.
When Professional Medical Help is Needed
While a pulled chest muscle can cause concerning breathing discomfort, it is important to recognize when symptoms may indicate a more serious condition. Chest pain can arise from various causes, including heart attacks or lung issues, which require immediate medical attention. Always seek professional medical evaluation if there is any uncertainty about the source of chest pain.
Specific red flag symptoms necessitate immediate emergency care, such as severe, crushing chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes. Pain radiating to the arm, jaw, neck, or back, particularly the left arm, also warrants urgent assessment. Other concerning signs include shortness of breath disproportionate to the pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, excessive sweating, nausea, or a racing heart rate. A fever or persistent cough accompanying chest pain could suggest a lung infection like pneumonia, which also requires medical evaluation.
Managing a Pulled Chest Muscle at Home
Many mild to moderate chest muscle strains can be effectively managed with self-care measures at home. Rest is paramount, meaning avoiding activities that worsen the pain or put further strain on the injured muscle. Initially, applying ice packs to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, can help reduce swelling and pain during the first 48 to 72 hours.
After the initial 48 hours, applying warm compresses or a heating pad can promote blood flow to the injured muscle and aid in relaxation. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, can help manage discomfort and inflammation. Once the initial sharp pain subsides, gentle stretching exercises may be introduced to restore flexibility, but strenuous physical activity should be avoided until the muscle has fully healed, which can take a few weeks for mild strains.