How long does a strained chest muscle last?

If you’re experiencing chest pain accompanied by muscle soreness, it’s possible to have a strained chest muscle. It can be quite painful and worrying if it fails to go away quickly. It’s easy to wonder if there’s something sinister going on in your body, particularly with the internet providing more alarming worst-case scenarios.

The truth is that most of us have suffered from at least one or two types of physical injuries during our lifetimes. Whether it’s a stubbed toe or an injured leg, we all know how challenging they can be to deal with when they crop up unexpectedly. The good news? There are various safe ways to speed up the healing process naturally and effectively.

So don’t panic! Let’s take this opportunity to explore what causes a strained chest muscle and how long it typically lasts.

What Causes Strained Chest Muscles?

Several factors could cause your pectoral muscles (AKA pecs) which are responsible for many arm movements like pushing objects forward, lifting weights or even opening doors – to become overworked, commonly referred to as ‘strains’. Commonly strains happen due lifting too much weight more than you’re used too painful right?! But other activities aside from weightlifting could lead there such as:

  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Falls
  • Repetitive motions

Your pectoral muscles attach to the front part of your rib cage/upper sternum meaning strains may occur in different areas throughout your pecs leading varying degrees of discomfort.

Symptoms Of A Strained Chest Muscle

Chest pain alone isn’t always an immediate indicator you’ve had this injury but likely accompanies additional symptoms including:
– Stiffness/soreness on one side of the upper torso.
– Trouble moving arms above chin level.
– Swelling
– Bruises

Now talking about bruises…

Are Bruises a Symptom of Strained Chest Muscles?

Yes, they can be! This usually happens when you’ve sustained more than just muscle damage. It’s usually as a result of one the above named heavy/more severe causes leading to blood vessels being damaged hence presenting almost immediately with discoloration or swelling on and around injured region.

How To Treat A Strained Chest Muscle

Although strains take time to heal, don’t simply wait for it to go away entirely by itself. There are various ways you can reduce pain/discomfort and speed up healing.

Rest

Give yourself time off from any activities that make your chest hurt or cause additional strain. Healing gets slowed down when we continue using overworked muscles leading to extended recovery/injury aggravation.

Applying Ice Or Heat

You may numb some pain through topical applications such as an ice pack/warm compress at different times throughout the day but whichever option has been favored must not be applied onto affected area directly, wrap it in cloth/gauze initially otherwise direct exposure will worsen initial injury/criticality
Please note: Only use cold therapy during first few days after injury – this helps lessen inflammation/swelling; utilize heat packs/ warm towels afterwards instead which help circulation

Painkillers

Don’t shy away from OTC (over-the-counter) NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen/narcotics if absolutely necessary even though there is such thing as too much medicine!! Don’t forget ample rest too!
TIP: If possible plan administering medication shortly after eating meals especially ibuprofen because stomach ulcers could present symptoms overtime when consumed in empty stomachs

Do all these treatment options have any effect on how quickly I recover? Yeap!

The next question itself entails so many variables because everyone responds differently to stimulus/not everyone body contains same chemical compounds sooo… moving on.

How Long Does Recovery Typically Take?

On average mild pec strains usually recover within 1-2 weeks while more severe ones can take up to 6 or longer. It’s all relative based on severity of strain because everyone’s body processes injuries differently but no matter how long recovery is…..remember there are ways to help alleviate symptoms during the process.

Have you ever wondered about what happens after treatment?? This seems like an ideal time to answer that.

What Happens After Strained Chest Muscles Heal?

After your strained chest muscle(s) have finally healed, it will not be the last injured muscle group!, expect with life and activities it comes as no surprise there’ll always be something -thus in spirit of prevention rather than cure; ensure:

  • Stretching
  • Posture correction

and exercising regularly/properly their core muscles are an excellent way of preventing a recurrence which otherwise would lead back down a similar path ending-upwith same problem again 🙁

When To Seek Medical Advice

Usually strained chest muscles won’t require medical attention; however, please seek out professional medical advice when conditions below present:
– Breathing difficulty
– An accompanying heart attack/chest pain symptoms( E.g vomiting)
If surgery seemingly has been recommended -that isn’t chest strain anymore!!! so inquire thoroughly from different sources before making lasting decisions.

The true test lies ahead… respecting the recovery period even though the desire for heavy lifting sits at the back of mind urging one back into action, know sometimes one just doesn’t get it/can’t carry things we previously lifted until fully recovered.

In summary,
Few tips to bear in mind:

Make conscious effort stay away from injury triggers where possible e.g excessively strenuous activities/lifting weights heavier than our capacity,

Remember rest….not slothful living/plus icing with heat management…

Subject yourself only moderate medicine use under guidance!

And lo…watch yourself become your own (almost)personal physician.

Some Most Frequently Asked Questions;

Can a chest strain be felt in back too?

Yes, due to the location of your pectoral muscles along the front area of your rib cage, it’s possible though depending on severity….

How can I tell if my chest pain is from strained pecs alone or something more critical ?

It’s important you seek medical advice immediately if there are multiple symptoms accompanied by chest pains, but mostly otherwise treat as strains by resting,painkillers and applications ointment/gels.

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