Question:
I have really bad pain in my left pectoral muscle, especially when I take a deep breath. I have been in pain since early Sunday. I have been using heating pads/hot baths/pain medicine, but nothing really seems to do the trick. How long does a strained muscle take to heal? Is there anything else I can be doing to relieve the pain?
Answers:
I think there is a real good chance that its not your pectoral that is the problem...it may be an intercostal muscle (muscle in between ribs) or that you have a rib out of alignment or both. If this is the case it may not just heal on its own...if you have a rib out of alignment then it could be a problem indefinitely. If its just a strain then it should take about 4 wks to heal. I think if you see no improvement in 7-10 days then you may want to look into going to see a doctor.
Are you 100% certain it is indeed muscular? A pain in that area can be warning sign for blood clot, etc, I would see a doctor, It shouldn't be hurting so much at this stage.
More Questions & Answers...
Bump on my neck?
What can cause the left side of the body to go numb, after a night out?
I got kicked by a thoroughbred on the weekend i need some medical advice!?
What happens if your family dr. writes you a pain medicine and you have a pain management dr.?
What could be the cause of severe abdominal pain?
IBS quesetion?
Can anyone answer my cracking question?
Arm falling alseep and wrist oddness?
Why are my glands swollen (after colonic)?