The pectoralis muscle is located in the chest area and can be strained during exercise, heavy lifting, or any other activity that involves the use of the arms and upper body. The signs of a tight pectoral muscle can vary depending on the severity of the injury. A slight strain or pull can cause mild discomfort and pain when the muscle is moved, but can often be easily managed by resting the muscle, applying hot or cold compresses, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. The most significant pain and difficulty performing daily tasks can be the result of the most severe forms of pectoral muscle strain where the muscle is actually torn. Knowing the signs of injury to the chest area is important, because chest pain can also have more serious causes, such as a heart attack.
Mild pectoral muscle strain occurs when the muscle is overstretched, usually due to overexertion. Weightlifters may be particularly prone to chest muscle injuries because they frequently lift heavy weights overhead, and this movement of the arms is a primary function of the pectoral muscles. Depending on the type of activity involved, a person may experience mild to moderate pain on one or both sides of the upper chest and within the armpit. The pain may be accompanied by mild swelling, spasms, and some difficulty moving the arms. Most of the time, a mildly tight pectoral muscle can be treated with home remedies such as taking over-the-counter pain relievers, resting the area, and applying ice or heat.
The most severe forms of a tight pectoral muscle can cause the muscle to tear and can also affect the tendons that run from the pectoral muscles to the front of the arms. Pain that spreads from the upper chest to the front of the arms can be a sign that the tendons have also become strained or even ruptured. If the injury is very severe, the person may not be able to move the arm and experience severe swelling or even numbness and tingling. A person experiencing these more significant symptoms may want to see a doctor for treatment advice, because more severe strains may require surgery to repair the damage.
In some cases, chest pain can have a more serious cause, such as a heart attack. Typically, a person with a tight pectoral muscle will remember the activity they were doing that might have caused the injury and will not experience other heart attack symptoms. However, someone who is not entirely sure that the symptoms are caused by a tight pectoral muscle may want to speak to a doctor for further information and evaluation.