Ms. Cho presents with muscle pain in the area around her anterior neck and superior chest. She explains that she has had a respiratory infection over the past 2 weeks that made it hard for her to breathe. What is likely causing her muscle soreness? (Hint: Remember that the origin and insertion of some muscles can switch and that one likely has to breathe more deeply with a respiratory infection.)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the muscles involved in breathing, particularly those that may be overused during a respiratory infection.
2. Consider the diaphragm, intercostal muscles, and accessory muscles of respiration such as the sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles.
3. Understand that during a respiratory infection, the body may require deeper or more forceful breathing, leading to overuse of these muscles.
4. Recognize that the sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles, located in the anterior neck and superior chest, can become sore due to their increased activity in assisting with deep breathing.
5. Conclude that the muscle soreness is likely due to the overuse of these accessory muscles of respiration as they compensate for the increased respiratory effort.

Key Concepts

Muscle Mechanics

Muscle mechanics refers to how muscles contract and produce movement, including the roles of origin and insertion points. In the context of respiratory muscles, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles are crucial for breathing. When a person has a respiratory infection, these muscles may be overworked due to increased effort in breathing, leading to soreness in the surrounding areas.

Respiratory Muscle Fatigue

Respiratory muscle fatigue occurs when the muscles involved in breathing become exhausted from prolonged or increased use. In cases of respiratory infections, patients often have to breathe more deeply and frequently, which can lead to overexertion of the muscles in the anterior neck and chest, resulting in muscle pain and discomfort.

Referred Pain

Referred pain is a phenomenon where pain is perceived in a location different from its source. In respiratory conditions, muscle soreness in the neck and chest may not only stem from direct muscle strain but can also be influenced by nerve pathways that refer pain from the respiratory system. Understanding this concept helps in diagnosing the underlying causes of muscle soreness in patients with respiratory issues.