What Causes Persistent Pain In Chest While Turning In Bed?

Posted on Mon, 18 Apr 2016

Question: I've had chest pain for the last 6 weeks but only when I turn in bed. It feels like strained or pulled muscles. Sometimes when I turn in bed, I get short-lived spasms. This does not pain me sitting, standing or exercising (swimming laps) only when I turn (lying down) in bed. I normally use two pillows but when I use just one, there is less pain when I turn. The pain seems to be inside my rib cage across my chest near my diaphram, not in the back. I have no fever (not lung related) and no pain down my left arm (not a heart attack). What is the best treatment for this? Should I stop exercising? How long will the recovery be?

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Pulled muscle

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

I am sorry to hear that you are having muscular chest pain while sleeping. This sounds like you tore the serratia anterior muscle on the side of your rib cage. These muscle aid in deep breaths and with turning of the chest. This will heal but may take more time. There is nothing you can do to speed up healing. I would not recommend stopping your exercise program. You could use tylenol or ibuprofen before sleep to reduce pain while sleeping. You n=may have another month of pain before you feel better.

In summary
1. Pulled serritia anterior muscle
2. Tylenol or ibuprofen for pain relief
3. Continue exercise program
4. Maybe another month before healed

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar