Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Muscle Pain While Coughing?
Question: Just a quick question. I have had a cough which went away and came back but since it seems to be a deeper cough and the dr said it was vital, I guess something going around. My back between my should blades has been sore. Nothing where I need a pain medication but wanted to know if it is possible that I could have pulled a muscle or something.
Brief Answer:
Cough caused muscle strain
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM with your health care concerns
You are concerned about having posterior chest pain after a cold where you had severe deep coughing. The short answer yes the deep cough could have easily caused a pull and tear to a muscle in your chest wall. I have actually had patients who have cough so hard they have broken ribs. Now that your cough has subsided the chest pain will take several weeks to resolve. you can try using Tylenol or ibuprofen to help the pain. But the time to heal will be up to nature which takes 4-6 weeks.
I hope this answered your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care questions and concerns
Cough caused muscle strain
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM with your health care concerns
You are concerned about having posterior chest pain after a cold where you had severe deep coughing. The short answer yes the deep cough could have easily caused a pull and tear to a muscle in your chest wall. I have actually had patients who have cough so hard they have broken ribs. Now that your cough has subsided the chest pain will take several weeks to resolve. you can try using Tylenol or ibuprofen to help the pain. But the time to heal will be up to nature which takes 4-6 weeks.
I hope this answered your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care questions and concerns
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Understood I have read about the chest wall could come inflamed. Between my shoulder blades is the area that seems to be the most tender and does hurt when I cough. Is between the shoulder blades an area of the back that I can pull also and can the chest wall go to that area in my back also? Should I take ibuprofen for a certain daily regimen over a period of 4-5 days? Thanks
Brief Answer:
Shoulder blade muscles assist with cough
Detailed Answer:
Yes the muscles in your back including the muscles of your shoulder and shoulder blade all assist with breathing and coughing. So when you cough hard the back muscles and shoulder muscles will be strained when coughing. I would recommend trying the ibuprofen three times daily for the next week to see if that helps reduce the pain and allow for healing.
I hope this answered your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care questions and concerns
Shoulder blade muscles assist with cough
Detailed Answer:
Yes the muscles in your back including the muscles of your shoulder and shoulder blade all assist with breathing and coughing. So when you cough hard the back muscles and shoulder muscles will be strained when coughing. I would recommend trying the ibuprofen three times daily for the next week to see if that helps reduce the pain and allow for healing.
I hope this answered your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care questions and concerns
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
