Are you experiencing discomfort in your chest? It can be alarming — and while your first thought might be that you’re having a heart attack, it’s important not to panic.
In fact, your discomfort could be caused by something as minor as muscle soreness. The symptoms of chest pain and muscle soreness can sometimes be confused due to their proximity and the nature of the discomfort, and we’re here to help you find answers.
Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute are experienced in diagnosing and treating chest pain in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey. Understanding the differences can help you determine the appropriate response and seek timely medical care, if necessary.
Chest pain can stem from various sources, including heart issues, lung problems, and gastrointestinal conditions. Some causes of chest pain are potentially life-threatening, so it’s essential to take your symptoms seriously.
Angina, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular conditions can cause chest pain. This pain often feels like pressure, squeezing, or a burning sensation. Lung conditions like pneumonia, pleurisy, or a pulmonary embolism can lead to sharp, stabbing pain in the chest.
Sometimes, gastrointestinal issues can cause chest pain that mimics heart-related pain. Some possible causes are acid reflux or esophageal spasms.
Muscle soreness, on the other hand, is usually less concerning. Although it can be painful, it isn’t related to organ function and typically results from physical activity, injury, or even poor posture.
Overexertion or strenuous exercise can make your chest muscles sore, especially if you’re doing activities involving your upper body. Strains, sprains, or trauma to your chest muscles can also cause localized soreness and tenderness.
Chest pain and muscle soreness have different treatments, so recognizing what’s behind your symptoms is the first step to getting the care you need.
To tell the difference, consider the:
Chest pain often feels deep and intense. It can radiate to other areas like your arms, neck, jaw, or back. The pain might be constant or intermittent and can vary in intensity.
Muscle soreness is typically localized to specific muscles. It usually feels more like an ache or stiffness rather than a sharp or burning pain, and you may be able to reproduce it by pressing on the affected area or moving in a certain way.
Chest pain can come on suddenly, and it may persist or worsen with activity. Heart-related pain, for instance, often occurs during exertion and may improve with rest.
Muscle soreness usually develops gradually after physical activity or injury and improves with rest and time. It might feel worse when you move or stretch the affected muscle.
Chest pain may be accompanied by additional symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, nausea, or a rapid heartbeat. These symptoms often indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Muscle soreness generally doesn’t come with other symptoms. You might experience some mild swelling or bruising if an injury caused the soreness.
First and foremost, seek immediate help for chest pain. Severe, sudden chest pain could be a sign of a heart attack or other serious condition, especially if it's accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, or pain radiating to other parts of your body. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
If you’re not sure what’s causing your chest discomfort or if your symptoms worsen, go to the doctor. Dr. Patel and our team can do a thorough evaluation to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Distinguishing between chest pain and muscle soreness is vital for your health — and for your peace of mind. We recommend erring on the side of caution, and we’re here to help you understand what’s causing your symptoms. Call us to book your appointment or send us a message online to learn more.
