Chest Wall Strain

Injury can overstretch a muscle on the front or back of the chest wall. This is called a chest wall strain. The injury may occur during play or sports. It may also happen during repeated coughing or when lifting a heavy object. Symptoms include sharp pain and soreness. But, there is no serious injury or permanent damage.

Muscle strain can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medicine for pain and swelling. Pain from a muscle strain usually resolves within a week.

Home care

Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicine for pain and swelling. If the chest is strained from coughing, a cough medicine may be prescribed. Follow the healthcare provider's specific instructions. Don't use any other pain medicine unless you check with your healthcare provider first.
Rest as needed.
Use cold, as directed. It can help reduce swelling and pain. Wrap a cold pack or a bag of frozen peas in a thin towel. Apply this to the affected site for up to 20 minutes, 4 to 8 times a day. Don't apply cold for longer than 20 minutes at a time.
Hold a pillow to the affected area when coughing. This can help ease pain from the injury.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised.

When to seek medical advice

Call your healthcare provider for any of the following:

Pain not relieved by medicine
Pain that continues for longer than 7 days
Trouble moving normally
Redness developing, swelling, or pain getting worse and not better

Call 911

Call 911 or seek immediate emergency medical services if you have any of the following:

Trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or fast breathing
New or sudden worsening chest pain
Sudden weakness or numbness

Online Medical Reviewer: Eric Perez MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Ronald Karlin MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Tara Novick BSN MSN

Date Last Reviewed: 11/1/2022