Weight lifting can cause chest muscle pain.
The pectoralis muscle is located in the chest region and can become tight during exercise, weight lifting, or any other activity that involves the use of the arms and upper body. Signs of pectoralis muscle strain can vary depending on the severity of the injury. A slight strain or pull can cause minor discomfort and pain when the muscle is moved, but it can often be easily controlled by resting the muscle, applying hot or cold compresses, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. More significant pain and difficulty performing daily tasks can be the result of more severe forms of pectoralis muscle strain where the muscle is actually torn. It’s important to know the signs of injury to the chest area, because chest pain can also have more serious causes, such as a heart attack.
Medications can be helpful in relieving pain in the pectoral muscles.
A slight pectoral muscle strain occurs when the muscle is overstretched, usually due to overexertion. Weightlifters can be particularly prone to pectoral muscle injuries because they often lift heavy weights overhead, and this arm movement is a primary function of the pectoral muscles. Depending on the type of activity involved, a person may experience mild to moderate pain on one or both sides of the upper chest and armpit. The pain may be accompanied by mild swelling, spasms, and some difficulty moving the arms. Most of the time, a mildly strained pectoral muscle can be treated with home remedies, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, resting the area, and applying ice or heat.
A cold compress can help relieve pain in the chest muscles.
The most severe forms of a strained pectoral muscle can cause the muscle to tear and can also affect the tendons that run from the pectoral muscles to the front of the arms. Pain that spreads from the upper chest to the front of the arms could be a sign that the tendons have also been strained or even torn. If the injury is very severe, the person may not be able to move the arm and experience severe swelling or even numbness and tingling. A person experiencing these more significant symptoms may want to see a doctor for treatment advice, as more severe strains may require surgery to repair the damage.
Medical care may be needed to treat chest muscle pain.
In some cases, chest pain can have a more serious cause, such as a heart attack. Usually, a person with a strained chest muscle will remember the activity he was doing that may have caused the injury and will not have other symptoms of a heart attack. However, someone who is not absolutely sure that the symptoms are caused by a muscle strain may want to talk to a doctor for further information and evaluation.
