Did I just pull a muscle or is it something worse?

[tmcclure1975]

I was doing barbell shrugs about a week ago.  I racked the bar one side at a time because at the end of the set that was the only way I could.  I racked the left side first, and when I racked the right side with a little difficulty I felt some pain just below and under my right pec.  I haven't lifted weights since then but still have soreness that extends around to the right side of my ribs towards my back.  It is only uncomfortable when twisting (sometimes), getting up from lying on my back, and sometimes breathing.  Any ideas as to what the injury is?

[gymdandee]

If you're trying to get larger traps then do the following!

https://youtu.be/LHK7H3Y2xIQ

[gymdandee]

Chest muscles can be pulled and strained to different degrees. The mildest pulled muscle usually have no tears or weakness. The next injury results in tears to the chest muscles and tendons. And the most severe injury causes the tendons to rupture, that needs to have surgery. It sounds like a pulled muscle. That being said, the level of pain relates to the degree of injury. With a muscle strain, pain can be felt when stretching, lifting, reaching or exerting the chest muscles. A moderate or severe strain will also result in weakness, due to a muscle tear.
A pulled muscle due to strain or injury can also cause swelling in the chest area and muscle spasms. To relieve swelling, ice can be applied immediately after injury, but should be limited to 20-minute applications, according to the Mayo Clinic. You can reapply the ice treatment every few hours. I suggest seeing your Dr.
Did you try icing when it first happened?

[tmcclure1975]

No ice yet but heat definitely feels good.  I'll try an ice pack for a bit and see the Dr. soon if no improvement.  Thanks.

[Paxiled]

If heat feels good, it's a sign of a muscle problem.  But ice reduces inflammation.  

[Belascorpio]

Agree with Paxiled. Use ice first, get inflammation down.