Muscle · Chest · Pectoralis major
Chest pain
Common at this spot
Ordered by how common, not by search volume.
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Pectoralis major tear
A pop at the front of the chest, then bruising and loss of pushing strength
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Costochondritis
A sharp point of pain beside the breastbone when breathing deeply or pressing
Get help right away ifCall emergency services if chest pain comes on suddenly and spreads to your arms, back, neck, or jaw; if your chest feels tight or heavy; or if it starts with shortness of breath, sweating, feeling sick or being sick and lasts more than 15 minutes. It could be a heart attack.
Why it happens
The place where the ribs meet the breastbone becomes inflamed. It can follow a chest injury, repeated upper-body effort such as lifting, a bad cough, a problem in the spine joints, an underlying condition such as fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis, or an infection.
How it feels
- A sharp pain in the front or side of the chest
- Worse when you move your upper body
- Worse when you lie down
- Worse when you breathe deeply
- Tender when you press on the middle of the chest
How long it usually lasts
It usually gets better on its own with time. It can last a few weeks to a few months.
When to see a doctor
Chest pain should always be checked to rule out something more serious — get it looked at even if you think it is this.
Source: NHS (UK)
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Chest muscle strain
The chest pulls and aches when you open the arms wide or push
Get help right away ifCall emergency services or go to A&E if you heard a crack when it happened, if the injured part has changed shape, if it has turned blue or grey, or if it feels numb.
Why it happens
Something has been overstretched or torn — here, the chest muscles. It happens when you overstretch or twist, and more easily if you did not warm up or it was already tired.
How it feels
- Pain, tenderness, or weakness
- Swelling or bruising
- Muscle cramping or spasms
- You cannot put weight on it or use it normally
How long it usually lasts
Most feel better after about 2 weeks. Avoid heavy exercise such as running for up to 8 weeks.
When to see a doctor
Get advice if severe pain is getting worse, if swelling or bruising is bad or worsening, if you cannot put weight on it or move it, or if you have a high temperature or feel shivery (that can mean infection).
Source: NHS (UK)
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Pectoralis minor syndrome
Tightness at the front of the shoulder with tingling or cold hands
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Sternoclavicular sprain
The inner end of the collarbone hurts and clicks when you move the arm
Same as “Chest muscle strain” above.