Athena Vale
Chest pain is a common symptom with a wide range of causes, from muscle strain to more serious conditions like pleurisy, pneumonia, or even lung cancer. Muscle strain can be caused by a variety of activities, including sports, weightlifting, and manual labour, or even by coughing too hard. In this instance, the pain usually peaks during a cough and then improves between coughs. It is often described as a sharp pain that gets worse with movement, deep breathing, or coughing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Muscle strain from coughing |
| Other causes | Pleurisy, pneumonia, serious chest infection, lung cancer, arthritis, rheumatic conditions, rib fractures, slipping rib syndrome, cardiac chest pain |
| Symptoms | Stabbing or throbbing pain, fever, trouble breathing, soreness, swelling, muscle tightness, tenderness, bruising, muscle twitching or spasms |
| Treatment | Rest, fluids, medication, corticosteroids, antibiotics, intravenous fluids, supplemental oxygen, nebulized breathing treatments, yoga, physical therapy, stretching exercises, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) units, RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) |
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What You'll Learn
Pulled chest muscles can be caused by coughing
Coughing can sometimes lead to a pulled chest muscle. A pulled muscle is a tear in the muscle from overstretching it. The pain caused by a pulled chest muscle usually gets worse with movement, deep breathing, or coughing. The pain may be stabbing or throbbing, and it can range from very mild to unbearable. It may also be accompanied by bruising, swelling, muscle twitching, or spasms.
Pulled chest muscles can be caused by a persistent, intense cough. This can happen when the muscles in the chest, back, and abdomen are exhausted from coughing, making them feel sore and painful. This pain may be felt when touching the affected area, twisting, or bending over.
A pulled chest muscle is a common cause of chest pain and is usually less serious than heart problems. However, it can be quite painful. Nearly half of all chest muscle strains occur in the intercostal muscles, which run between the ribs and form the chest wall. Other common causes of chest muscle strains include sports, weightlifting, and manual labor.
If you suspect you have a pulled chest muscle, it is important to act quickly and see a healthcare provider. They will determine if the strain is acute, due to injury or trauma, or chronic, due to repetitive use. Treatment for a pulled chest muscle typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help with inflammation and pain.
It is important to note that chest pain can also be a sign of more serious conditions such as pleurisy, pneumonia, or lung cancer. Therefore, if you are uncertain about the origin of the pain or if the pain is severe, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
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Coughing and chest pain could indicate pleurisy or pneumonia
Coughing and chest pain can be caused by a pulled chest muscle, also known as an intercostal muscle strain. This can be caused by sports, weightlifting, manual labor, or even a cold that has resulted in frequent coughing. The pain is usually more intense when twisting, bending over, or touching the affected area.
However, coughing and chest pain could also indicate more serious conditions such as pleurisy or pneumonia. Pleurisy is an inflammation of the lining of the lungs and chest (the pleura) that causes sharp chest pains, usually when breathing or coughing. It can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, or lung conditions. Pleurisy often gets better within a few days, but it can sometimes indicate something more serious, like pneumonia.
Pneumonia is a common but potentially dangerous lung infection caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. It can develop after a cold or flu and, if left untreated, can be life-threatening, especially in older adults, infants, or those with weakened immune systems.
If you are experiencing coughing and chest pain, it is important to seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
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Chest pain may be musculoskeletal, rheumatic, or cardiac
Chest pain can have many causes, and it can be challenging to determine the exact origin of the pain. It is always recommended to seek a diagnosis from a healthcare provider. Musculoskeletal chest pain, rheumatic chest pain, and cardiac chest pain are three types of chest pain with distinct characteristics.
Musculoskeletal chest pain originates from the bones, muscles, and tissues that form the chest wall, enclosing the heart and lungs. This type of pain is typically caused by injuries, such as muscle strains, rib fractures, or accidents, like falls or crashes. It can also be caused by rheumatic diseases, arthritis, or other inflammatory conditions. Treatment for musculoskeletal chest pain may include rest, hot or cold therapy, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Rheumatic chest pain is often associated with rheumatic diseases and conditions that cause inflammation in the chest wall. These can include arthritis, costochondritis, or slipping rib syndrome. Treatment for rheumatic chest pain may involve addressing the underlying rheumatic condition and managing inflammation.
Cardiac chest pain, or angina, is related to the heart. This type of pain may be indicative of heart-related issues such as myocardial infarction or other cardiac diseases. It is important to rule out cardiac causes of chest pain, especially in middle-aged and elderly patients with risk factors for cardiac disease. Electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and stress testing may be recommended to exclude cardiac chest pain.
It is possible to experience musculoskeletal chest pain and cardiac chest pain simultaneously. Therefore, a comprehensive medical evaluation is necessary to determine the exact cause of chest pain and rule out any serious underlying conditions.
Additionally, chest pain may be related to other factors, such as lung conditions, digestive issues, or psychological conditions. For example, coughing can lead to muscle strain and chest pain, which can be addressed with rest, ice or heat therapy, and over-the-counter pain medication. However, chest pain when coughing can also indicate more serious conditions, such as pleurisy, pneumonia, or lung cancer, and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
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Intercostal muscle strain is common and can be scary
Intercostal muscle strain is a common cause of chest pain and can be scary if you don't know what's causing it. It can feel intense and quite painful. Intercostal muscles run between the ribs and form the chest wall, and nearly half of all chest muscle strains occur in these muscles. A pulled chest muscle can be caused by forceful or repetitive motions in sports such as tennis, golf, gymnastics, and rowing, as well as activities like weightlifting. It can also be caused by frequent coughing, especially if you have a cold.
If you suspect you have an intercostal muscle strain, it's important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. They will determine if the strain is acute, due to injury or trauma, or chronic, due to repetitive use. The treatment for a pulled chest muscle usually involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help with inflammation and pain. It's important to follow your doctor's advice and not to self-diagnose, especially if the pain is severe, as it could be a sign of something more serious.
The pain from an intercostal muscle strain is usually tender and painful when touching the affected area. It can also cause pain when twisting or bending over, breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Other symptoms include muscle tightness, soreness, and swelling in the area. In most cases, a pulled muscle is a minor injury that can heal on its own within a few weeks with proper care. However, severe muscle strains may take up to six weeks to heal and might require physical therapy.
To cope with an intercostal muscle strain, you can try bracing yourself with a small pillow when coughing. Using ice packs or heat on the affected area can also help reduce pain. Yoga can be beneficial, but it's important to consult your doctor first to avoid overdoing it. If your kidney function is okay and you don't have any underlying conditions, ibuprofen taken with food can help manage pain. Acetaminophen may also be recommended by your doctor.
It's important to keep the muscles in your chest stretched and strong to avoid injury. If you have a chronic muscle strain that doesn't improve with rest, your doctor may suggest physical therapy or changing your exercise routine to build strength in the surrounding areas. With patience and time, you can recover from an intercostal muscle strain and be pain-free.
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Pulled chest muscles can be treated with RICE and painkillers
A pulled chest muscle can be a scary experience, especially if you don't know what caused it. It can be caused by sports, weightlifting, manual labour, or even a persistent cough. The good news is that pulled chest muscles can often be treated at home with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) along with over-the-counter painkillers.
Rest
It is important to stop any strenuous activity as soon as you notice the pain. You may be able to resume light activity after a couple of days, but stop if the pain returns.
Ice
Applying ice or a cold pack to the affected area for 20 minutes, up to three times a day, can help reduce pain and swelling. If ice is not comfortable, you can use heat instead.
Compression
Consider wrapping any areas of inflammation with an elastic bandage, but not too tightly, as this may impair circulation.
Elevation
Keep your chest elevated, especially at night. Sleeping in a recliner may help.
In addition to RICE, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce discomfort and inflammation. If you have a cold, you can also try bracing yourself with a small pillow when you cough to help with the pain.
While most pulled chest muscles can be treated at home, it is important to see a doctor if your pain is severe, sudden, or accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or trouble breathing. They may prescribe stronger painkillers, muscle relaxants, or a tailored exercise plan to aid your recovery.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a pulled chest muscle can cause coughing. A pulled chest muscle is a common cause of chest pain and usually gets worse with movement, deep breathing, or coughing.
The symptoms of a pulled chest muscle include pain or tenderness along the chest, tenderness when touching the injured muscle, pain with arm movements, and difficulty moving the arm. There may also be bruising, swelling, or muscle twitching or spasms.
The treatment for a pulled chest muscle depends on the severity of the injury. For mild to moderate strains, the recommended treatment is RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help with inflammation and pain.
Yes, a persistent cough can be caused by a pulled muscle. This is known as an intercostal muscle strain and can be treated with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
If you are experiencing severe pain, difficulty breathing, or other concerning symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. A pulled chest muscle can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition, such as pleurisy, pneumonia, or a chest infection.
