Chest Muscle Pain
Chest muscle pain can occur with any of the many muscles located in the chest area.
Muscle pull chest pains or muscles of the chest may also be connected to the head, back, neck, abdomen and upper limbs. Since muscle feeling chest pain can be considered a symptom of a heart attack, it should be taken seriously. At the same time, pain in the chest muscles are not always a sign something is seriously wrong.
Causes Muscle pain chest can be caused by many different problems. Finding the cause of your pain can go a long way in diagnosing the problem. * Trauma from blunt force injury, penetration of the muscle by a foreign object, surgical procedures or torn muscles * Muscle strain from overuse or muscle spasms * Cramping caused by overuse, dehydration, hormonal issues or chronic conditions * Fibromyalgia * Blood disorders that may cause clots in the lungs * Pneumonia or severe coughing * Asthma-caused inflammation * Mental stress and anxiety
Signs Symptoms can range beyond just feeling pain. The following signs may accompany chest muscle pain. * Shortness of breath * Nausea and vomiting * Perspiration during discomfort * Unexplained fatigue
Complications Complications will depend on what the true underlying cause may be. If the cause is cardiac in origin, for example, the complications may include heart attack, blocked arteries or any number of problems that may need surgery or invasive procedures to correct them. If the problem is not serious, say a pulled muscle, complications are rare unless you keep repeating the injury. Without a full diagnosis, you won't know the full extent of complications that may arise. To avoid any unnecessary complications, follow your doctor's advice. Don't be afraid to ask questions and learn as much as you can about your diagnosis. Knowing what to do and not to do will help prevent complications from occurring.
Diagnosis While your doctor makes a diagnosis, you may be asked several questions. You'll need to describe when the pain started, if it is constant or intermittent, where the pain is located, and if it moves. You may be asked to describe how the pain feels, such as, does it feel like pressure, or is it burning or dull. They may ask if anything makes the pain better or worse as well as checking your medical history.
Treatment Simple chest muscle pain can be treated by pain killers until the cause is healed. For more serious problems, follow your doctor's instructions. You may be directed to take prescription medications, to follow an exercise regime or to limit your activities.
Prevention Prevent chest muscle pain by working on your health. If necessary, change your eating habits and lifestyle. Healthy foods will give your body the nutrients it needs. This means as many whole foods as possible instead of prepared foods. Avoid fast food that increases your cholesterol. Try and lose some weight in a safe manner. This means losing it gradually, not all at once. Keep it off by exercising sensibly. Don't smoke and keep your alcoholic intake small. Relieve your stress by meditation.
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