Logan Steele
Chest pain can be caused by a variety of issues, including heart, lung, or digestive problems. Some causes are more severe than others, and some can be life-threatening. Chest pain can be sharp or dull, and it may feel like tightness or pressure. It is often difficult to determine the exact source of chest pain, but muscle strains are a common cause. Muscle strains can be caused by overstretching, pressure, or repetitive motions in sports and can result in chest pain that worsens with movement, deep breathing, or coughing. Other causes of chest pain include arthritis, rib fractures, and panic attacks.
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What You'll Learn
- Strained chest muscle from overstretching or pressure
- Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease causing joint pain and fatigue
- Pleurodynia, inflammation of chest muscles due to viral infection
- Pulmonary embolism, a blood clot blocking a lung artery
- Heartburn, acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Strained chest muscle from overstretching or pressure
Chest pain is a common symptom of cardiac issues, but it can also be caused by muscle strain. A strained chest muscle can be caused by overstretching, twisting, or pressure on the muscles. This can happen in day-to-day life but is most common in athletes, especially those in contact sports or activities that require repetitive or forceful motion, such as tennis, golf, gymnastics, and rowing. Weightlifting can also cause chest strains if the arms are pulled back and overhead quickly or for prolonged periods.
A strained chest muscle can cause tightness in the chest, along with sharp pain, difficulty breathing, and muscle spasms. This can be quite scary, especially if you experience trouble breathing, but it is usually a minor injury that can heal on its own within a few weeks with proper care. It is important to distinguish between chest pain caused by muscle strain and cardiac chest pain, as the latter can indicate a serious condition such as a heart attack.
Musculoskeletal chest pain originates from the muscles, bones, and tissues that enclose the heart, known as the chest wall. This type of pain has different qualities from typical cardiac chest pain. For example, cardiac chest pain often feels like pressure, squeezing, or clenching and may spread from the chest to the neck, jaw, or down the arms. It may also be accompanied by tingling or numbing sensations, sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath. Musculoskeletal chest pain, on the other hand, may feel worse with exercise and improve with rest.
If you are experiencing chest pain, it is important to seek medical advice, especially if you are unsure of the cause. A doctor will assess your symptoms, medical history, and any activities that may have contributed to the pain. They will then determine if the pain is acute, due to injury or trauma, or chronic, due to repetitive use. Based on the severity of the injury, a grade will be assigned to the strain, ranging from mild damage to a complete muscle rupture. Most mild to moderate chest muscle strains can be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). However, in some cases, physical therapy or changes to your exercise routine may be recommended to build strength and prevent future injuries.
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Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease causing joint pain and fatigue
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation in the cartilage that cushions joints. The disease commonly affects the hands, knees or ankles, and usually the same joint on both sides of the body. For example, RA can affect both hands or both knees. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but researchers believe it is caused by a combination of genetics, hormones, and environmental factors. Normally, the immune system protects the body from disease, but with RA, something triggers the immune system to attack the joints.
RA causes joint inflammation and pain. Many people with RA experience fatigue, and some may have a low-grade fever. RA symptoms may come and go, and having a lot of inflammation and other symptoms is called a flare. A flare can last for days or months. In addition to joint pain, people with RA may experience eye problems such as dryness, pain, inflammation, redness, sensitivity to light, and trouble seeing properly. They may also experience mouth dryness, gum inflammation, and skin problems such as rheumatoid nodules, which are small lumps under the skin over bony areas.
RA can also affect the lungs, causing inflammation and scarring that can lead to shortness of breath and lung disease. It can also cause inflammation of the blood vessels, which can lead to damage to the nerves, skin, and other organs. RA can harm organs like the heart, with inflammation damaging the heart muscle and surrounding areas. Painful joints can also make it hard to exercise, leading to weight gain.
It is important to see a healthcare provider regularly to monitor RA symptoms and adjust medication dosages or types as needed. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutritional therapy, medication, and surgery. Diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and mental health are all key to controlling RA and maintaining overall good health.
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Pleurodynia, inflammation of chest muscles due to viral infection
Pleurodynia, also known as Bornholm disease, devil's grip, or Sylvest's disease, is an inflammation of the chest muscles due to a viral infection. It is characterised by sudden and severe chest or upper abdominal pain, typically caused by an enterovirus infection of the striated intercostal muscles of the chest wall. This results in inflammation and subsequent pain. The viral infection can also cause necrosis of the intercostal muscles.
Pleurodynia is often caused by a coxsackievirus, specifically Coxsackievirus B, which is transmitted through person-to-person contact via faecal-oral contamination or direct mouth-to-mouth contact. It can also be spread by touching contaminated items and then touching the mouth without proper hand washing. Coxsackieviruses multiply in the throat and intestines before spreading into the bloodstream. In most cases, the body's immune system can limit the infection and prevent the onset of symptoms. However, if the immune defences are compromised, the virus can lead to fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and sore throat.
The pain associated with pleurodynia typically affects only one side of the chest or abdomen and may radiate to the neck or arms. It can manifest as sharp, knife-like spasms lasting 15 to 30 minutes, followed by a lingering dull ache that worsens with deep breathing. The pain can be accompanied by profuse sweating, fever, chills, malaise, cough, and muscle aches. Symptoms typically last for 2 to 4 days but can persist for several weeks in rare cases.
Pleurodynia is typically diagnosed through a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. Imaging techniques such as chest and abdominal X-rays may be ordered, but they usually appear normal in individuals with pleurodynia. An electrocardiogram (ECG) may also be performed to rule out heart-related conditions. Treatment for pleurodynia focuses on managing symptoms, primarily with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control pain and fever. In severe cases, peripheral nerve blocks may be administered. In healthy individuals, pleurodynia usually resolves on its own within a few days without any complications or long-term issues.
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Pulmonary embolism, a blood clot blocking a lung artery
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage in the lung artery caused by a blood clot. It is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Pulmonary embolisms are typically caused by blood clots that develop in the deep veins of the leg, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Once a clot forms in the deep veins, it can break off and travel through the blood to the lungs, where it may lodge itself in a pulmonary artery, causing a blockage. This blockage disrupts the normal flow of blood, leading to serious health consequences.
Other less common causes of pulmonary embolisms include fat emboli, often associated with the breaking of a large bone, amniotic fluid emboli, air bubbles, and deep vein thrombosis in the upper body. In rare cases, clots can also form on the end of an indwelling intravenous (IV) catheter, break off, and travel to the lungs.
The most common symptom of a pulmonary embolism is sudden shortness of breath. However, diagnosing a pulmonary embolism can be challenging because the signs and symptoms often resemble those of other conditions. Healthcare providers use imaging tests, such as CT scans and X-rays, as well as blood tests, to confirm the presence of a pulmonary embolism.
The main treatment for a pulmonary embolism is the administration of anticoagulants, commonly known as blood thinners, to prevent the formation of additional clots. In more severe cases or when other treatments are ineffective, healthcare providers may recommend surgery or the use of a catheter to physically remove the blood clot from the pulmonary artery. Thrombolytic therapy, which involves the use of "clot-busting" medications, is another option to dissolve the clot.
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Heartburn, acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest caused by acid reflux, which is when stomach acid rises into the oesophagus. Acid reflux can occur after a large, rich meal or when lying down soon after eating. It can also be caused by certain foods or medications.
Acid reflux is common and typically manageable at home. However, frequent acid reflux, occurring more than twice a week, may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a chronic condition characterised by persistent acid reflux. It affects about 20% of adults and 10% of children in the United States and can have various causes, including a hiatal hernia or improper functioning of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES).
GERD symptoms include heartburn, acid indigestion, and acid regurgitation. It can also cause nausea and damage the oesophagus over time. Treatment options for GERD include lifestyle changes, medications, and, in some cases, surgery. It is important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
While heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD are distinct conditions, they are closely related. Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, and frequent acid reflux can indicate GERD. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to the frequency and severity of symptoms and seek medical advice if needed.
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Frequently asked questions
The symptoms of muscle pain in the chest include 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.
Muscle pain in the chest is often caused by a pulled muscle due to overstretching or pressure on the muscles. This can be caused by contact sports, athletics that require repetitive motion, or weightlifting. Other causes include injuries like rib fractures, arthritis, and other rheumatic conditions.
For mild to moderate chest muscle strains, the recommended treatment is RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). Rest involves stopping any activities that cause strain to the chest muscle. Applying ice or heat to the injured area can help reduce pain. If necessary, wrap an elastic bandage to reduce swelling, but ensure it's not too tight to avoid additional pain. Keep your chest elevated, especially at night, using pillows or a wedge. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can also help with inflammation and pain.
