Chest Muscle Strain - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment for Strain in Chest Muscle

Chest Muscle Strains is the injury to the muscles and tendons that attach to the sternum (breastbone). Muscles, tendons and bone comprise units. The units stabilize the breastbone and ribs and allow their motion. A strain occurs at the weakest part of a unit.

Types of Chest Muscle Strains

Chest Muscle Strains are of 3 types - Mild (Grade I)--Slightly pulled muscle without tearing of muscle or tendon fibers. There is no loss of strength. Moderate (Grade II)--Tearing of fibers in a muscle, tendon or at the attachment to a rib. Strength is diminished. Severe (Grade III)--Rupture of the muscle-tendon-rib attachment with separation of fibers. Severe strain requires surgical repair. Chronic strains are caused by overuse. Acute strains are caused by direct injury or overstress.

Places where Chest Muscle Strain affects

• Sternum
• Muscle and tendons that attach the ribs to the sternum
• Soft tissue surrounding the strain, including nerves, periosteum (covering to bone), blood vessels and lymph vessels

Causes, Signs and Symptoms of Chest Muscle Strain

• Prolonged overuse of muscle-tendon units attached to the sternum and ribs.
• Single violent injury or force applied to the muscle-tendon units around the sternum and ribs.

Pain when moving or stretching, especially "pushing" movements of the arms. Muscle spasm. Swelling around the injury. Loss of strength (moderate or severe strain). Crepitation ("crackling") feeling and sound when the injured area is pressed with fingers. Calcification of muscles or tendons (visible with X-rays).

Medication treatment and Care for Chest Muscle Strain

For minor discomfort, you may use: Aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Topical liniments and ointments. Your doctor may prescribe: Stronger pain relievers. Injection of a long-acting local anesthetic to reduce pain. Injections of corticosteroids, such as triamcinolone, to reduce inflammation.

• Use ice massage 3 or 4 times a day for 15 minutes at a time. Fill a large Styrofoam cup with water and freeze. Tear a small amount of foam from the top so ice protrudes. Massage firmly over the injured area in a circle about the size of a softball.
• After the first 24 hours, apply heat instead of ice, if it feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, or heat liniments and ointments.
• Take whirlpool treatments, if available.
• Wrap the chest with an elasticized bandage between treatments.
• Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.

Dietary cure for Chest Muscle Strain

Eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.

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