The main chest muscle (the pectoralis muscle) is found between the breast and the ribs in the chest wall.
The breast has no muscle tissue. Muscles lie underneath the breasts, however, separating them from your ribs.
A woman's cleavage is the space between her breasts, especially the top part which you see if she is wearing a dress with a low neck.
What are the symptoms? The first sensation you feel when the pectoralis major muscle is torn is sudden pain felt in the chest or more commonly, at the front of the armpit. See figure 2 for the most common pain locations. At the same time you may have a sensation of something tearing.
The first sensation felt when the pectoralis major muscle is torn is sudden pain. This pain is usually felt at the front of the armpit and is sometimes felt across the chest. At the same time you may also feel something 'tearing' in your chest. In minor tears you may be able to continue participating with slight pain.
If your strain is mild, expect it to resolve within a few days or weeks. Severe strains can take 2 months or longer to heal. If your chest pain sticks around for more than twelve weeks, it's considered chronic and may be resulting from long-term activities and repetitive motions.
Repairing The Muscle
In most cases, a torn pectoral will not heal on its own. Our team will need to perform surgery to reattach the muscle so that you can begin your road to recovery. The operation will involve sewing the muscle back into place on your upper arm.
muscle tear – Relative rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation (helps reduce the inflammation to the injured tissue allowing for a quicker recovery time). Effleurage massage can help reduce swelling to the area.
“Breasts are mostly fat and veins, but they're resting on a muscle,” she explains. Specifically, your pectoralis major muscle, which may be the source of your pain. “You can pull this chest muscle while lifting weights, carrying heavy objects, or even during sudden movement,” she says.
Changing hormone levels can cause changes in the milk ducts or milk glands. These changes in the ducts and glands can cause breast cysts, which can be painful and are a common cause of cyclic breast pain. Noncyclic breast pain may be caused by trauma, prior breast surgery or other factors.
Costochondritis. This condition, an inflammation in the chest wall between the ribs and the breastbone, can trigger a stabbing, aching pain that's often mistaken for a heart attack. Costochondritis is commonly caused by trauma or overuse injuries, often during contact sports, or it may accompany arthritis.
Hormones are making your breasts sore.
Hormonal fluctuations are the number one reason women have breast pain. Breasts become sore three to five days prior to the beginning of a menstrual period and stop hurting after it starts. This is due to a rise in estrogen and progesterone right before your period.
Your sternum is a bone that's located in the middle of your chest. It's also sometimes referred to as the breastbone. Your sternum protects the organs of your torso from injury and also serves as a connection point for other bones and muscles.
Intercostal muscle strains are the most common cause of musculoskeletal chest pain, which people often refer to as a pulled muscle. The intercostal muscles are a muscle group that sits between the ribs and makes up the chest wall.
Pulling a muscle in the chest can cause this type of pain. Arthritis within the chest can also cause extramammary breast pain. A pulled muscle can also be expressed as intercostal muscle strain.
¹ Pectoralis major injuries can range from contusions (bruises) and inflammation to complete tears and frequently result in pain, weakness, deformity in the contour of the chest, and, ultimately, a decline in overall shoulder function.
Keep Your Torso Neutral and Minimize External Pressure
If you sleep on your side, you may feel more comfortable sleeping on the side that is not injured. You should find a comfortable mattress and the to support your head, neck, and upper body.
One test which helps diagnose torn pec muscle is medial rotation against resistance. It involves getting the patient to pull or rotate their arm across the front of their chest against resistance. The test is positive if it reproduces the pain.
You may feel tightness, achiness, or you may feel like your chest is being crushed or squeezed. Chest pain can last for a few minutes or hours. In some cases, it can last six months or longer.
It can be difficult to distinguish heart-related chest pain from other types of chest pain. However, chest pain that is less likely due to a heart problem is more often associated with: A sour taste or a sensation of food reentering your mouth. Trouble swallowing.
Chest pain can stem from a heart problem, but other possible causes include a lung infection, muscle strain, a rib injury, or a panic attack. Some of these are serious conditions and need medical attention.
You should go to the ER immediately if you have any of the following: Sternum or chest bone pain that isn't from a minor injury. Pain radiating to your arms, jaw, or back. Shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, or dizziness.