Strange Chest Injury

[Mischievousjoe]

Hey all, just wondering if anyone here has experienced anything like this before. I realize I should visit a doctor, but was looking for any experience.

So around christmas time I was training somewhat obsesively (bjj and conditioning stuff) after about 4 straight days of training, I was taking my rest day - but my wife convinced me to do a pilates routine with her. Me thinking, its only pilates, this can't screw up my rest too much right? Well about halfway through, doing some flutter kick type things my chest seizes up and I have to lay on the floor in pain for about 5 minutes. At first I thought I was having a heart atack - but it subsided for the most part. Now Several month later, the solar plexis to left central pectoral is still tender, and I'm just now easing back into training - twisting motions seem the most noticably painful, although direct pressure is bad as well.

did I tear a muscle overtraining? crack a rib or something? this was really weird way to injure myself, and slowwww healing time. gahh very frustraiting, 2007 was the year of the injury for me.

[Throwdown0850]

there is actually tiny muscles in between the ribs, and people can get really bad chest pains from pulling them and it feels really close to heart attack some say.. I have pulled them before.. it went away though

[ps1]

there is actually tiny muscles in between the ribs, and people can get really bad chest pains from pulling them and it feels really close to heart attack some say.. I have pulled them before.. it went away though

Throwdown is right. Those muscles are called intercostals. They allow the expansion of the ribcage during breathing, among other things. It is quite likely you pulled them during pilates as it incorporates breathing exercises with core exercises. In addition, you could have dislocated some intercostal cartilage. Both injuries are excruciating.

However, you need to see a doctor. There is also the possibility of an underlying heart condition. The tests are fairly noninvasive and could save your life if there's a problem. It is a scary prospect to face...but do it! Part of martial arts is to learn about overcoming your fears. Overcome them and see a doctor.

[Mischievousjoe]

Yeah , you guys are right, I should probably at least get the heart end of it checked out - although I'm fairly sure its muscular pain it would be good to know for sure.