Chest Wall Strain

Home care

• Your doctor may prescribe medicine for pain and swelling. If the chest is strained from coughing, a cough medicine may be prescribed. Follow the doctor's specific instructions. Don't use any other pain medicine unless you check with your doctor first.

• Rest as needed.

• Use cold, as directed. It can help reduce swelling and pain. Wrap a cold pack or a bag of frozen peas in a thin towel. Apply this to the affected site for up to 20 minutes, 4 to 8 times a day. Don't apply cold for longer than 20 minutes at a time.

• Hold a pillow to the affected area when coughing. This can help ease pain from the injury.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your doctor, or as advised.

When to get medical advice

Contact your doctor if you have:

• Pain that is not relieved by medicine.

• Pain that continues for longer than 7 days.

• Trouble moving normally.

• Redness developing, swelling, or pain getting worse and not better.

Call 911

Call 911 or get immediate emergency medical services if you have:

• Trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or fast breathing.

• Chest pain that is new or suddenly gets worse.

• Sudden weakness or numbness.