How do you know if you have a pulled muscle? I have spoken with the Dr. and the Chiropractor. Both suggested doing the exact opposite of this post. Hot baths, heating pad, massage. When I get a massage it sends my back muscles into spasms. I had pneumonia and coughed really hard for nearly 2 weeks.

#3 NO, compression, especially of ribs can lead to pneumonia.

Get a new Doctor and Chiropractor. The advice here is correct. Use RICER. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation and Recovery. What your Doctor advised is HARM and should be avoided. Heat, Alcohol, Running (exercise) and Massage.

I have coughed so hard I have broken ribs, pulled muscles in my back, legs and most recently in my neck. Always use ice, if you are sick with a infection the the heat will help spread the infection,( ever notice that it's cold in hospitals) , ice will help relax and keep the muscles in a stable position. If you are still coughing, try to hold the area affected during a coughing spell. Also cold water will help relax your throats and air passages.

I had a round of sickness which kept me in and out of the Hospital for 3-4 weeks. Started with Bronchitis, Bronchial Spasms, Pleurisy to Sinusitis and I ruptured my pectoral muscle and one in my back. I simply can not sleep without having strong painful popping feelings in my back or chest. Laying down has become so difficult I'm afraid to sleep. Reading up on this makes me believe that the doctor at Allegheny Valley Hospital (ER) made a poor decision in sending me home. I'm practically immobilized by this pain. Just one cough or even a tickle of one coming is enough to scare me. After reading this topic makes me want to mention the MRI to my PCP as I see him at 8:30 AM today. I've been putting ice on the affected area for an hour straight or until it's no longer cold. Don't know if I'm doing this right but when I cough it makes me want to cry, if I do it makes the spasms worse. Thank you so much for posting this topic because it gives me a general idea of what to prepare myself for. The X-ray came back as no broken bones which is a positive but this pain is unbearable so much so that the only way to sleep is sitting up with a pillow behind my back and one to rest my arm upon. The waking up is the real nightmare. Again thank you for the post.

I pulled a muscle as well but doctor told me to take hot baths or if possible go in a jacuzzi but this article suggests the opposite