Experiencing pain in the pectoral muscles of the chest can be frightening, with the discomfort and pressure often confused with the symptoms of a heart attack. Of course, if you suspect you may be having a heart issue, get to a hospital immediately and have a thorough evaluation. However, most pectoral pain stems from simple muscle pulls and strains.
Identification
Made up of the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor, the pectorals are the thick muscles located on the front portion of the chest. They're responsible for lifting and rotating the arms, meaning they play a significant role in most all physical activities. Pectoral pain can hinder movement and even make breathing uncomfortable.
Symptoms
The most obvious sign of a pectoral injury is pain in the muscle and surrounding area. Any arm movements or activity can intensify the discomfort, with severe pain often signaling a torn pectoral muscle. Redness, swelling and bruising will often accompany a pectoral tear. The injury may create asymmetry, causing the torn muscle to sag or lose its normal shape. In severe cases, the muscle will even ball up under the skin.
Causes
Injuries sustained while lifting weights or competing in sports activities cause the vast majority of all pectoral pains. The bench press, in particular, can be particularly troublesome, with improper technique or attempting to press too much weight placing unnecessary stress on the pectorals. Weight lifters will often hear a popping sound when tearing a pectoral.
Treatment
Pectoral pain from simple pulls and strains can be treated with ice, rest, stretching and massage. Wearing a sling to immobilize the arm on the injured side can help alleviate discomfort and assist the healing process, which could take several weeks to completely recover. Full pectoral tears may require surgery to reattach the muscle. Surgery will also require a long, sometimes painful rehabilitation process that could take anywhere from four months to a year before normal range of motion returns.
Prevent
To prevent pectoral pain and injuries, always warm up and stretch the chest muscles prior to working out or competing in an athletic activity. If lifting weights, never attempt to press more weight than you can safely handle, as straining will greatly increase the chances of sustaining an injury. Stop lifting weights at the first sign of pectoral pain so the injury doesn't progress to a full tear. And finally, never begin strenuous activity until the pectoral pain has completely subsided, otherwise you'll risk aggravating the injury and prolonging the healing process.
