Pectoralis Minor

The Pectoralis minor is a muscle of the chest.

Collectively with the Pectoralis Major, they maybe referred to as the Pecs.

Anatomical Attachments:

• Origin: Attaches to the exterior surface of the cranial border of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th rib.
• Insertion: Attaches to the medial border and the superior surface of the coracoid process of the scapula.

Action: Draws the scapula downward, inward and forward, and raises the 3rd, 4th and 5th ribs during forced inspiration.

Synergist: Pectoralis major.

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Nerve Supply: Medial anterior thoracic nerve (C8, T1)

Vascular supply: Thoracoacromial and intercostal branches of the inferior thoracic and the lateral thoracic arteries.

Vascular entrapment: Brachial plexus and Axillary artery.

• Primary: The pain refers to the anterior chest and shoulder with a spillover down the arm to the fingers.
• Satellite or associated triggers: Anterior deltoid, scalene, sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis major, sternalis muscles.

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Trigger Point Signs and Symptoms: Tenderness, hot burning pain, prickling, lightening like jabs to pectoral region, chest pain, difficulty in reaching forward and up.

Trigger Point Activating and Perpetuating Factors: Acute trauma, acceleration/deceleration injury, carrying a heavy book bag, the under wire in bras, bra straps that are to tight, rounded shoulders, and hard repetitive coughing.

Differential Diagnosis: Angina Pectoris, Myocardial Infarction, Thoracic outlet syndrome, (Segmental, Subluxation, Somatic dysfunction) C7 C8 or T1 Radiculopathy, Neurovascular entrapment, Supraspinatus tendonitis, Adhesive capsulitis (Frozen shoulder), Subdeltoid bursitis, Bicipital tendonitis, Medial epicondylitis, Hiatal hernia, Lymphedema, Lymphatic carcinoma, Lymphadenopathy, Esophagitis, Gastroenteritis, Pleurisy, Gallbladder Dysfunction, Pulmonary carcinoma, Charcot’s arthropathy, Polymyalgia rheumatica, Fibromyalgia, Polymyositis, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Diabetic neuropathy, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Pectoralis Sprain/Strain Syndrome, Glenohumeral joint separation, Shoulder pointer, Stinger or Burner, Breast cancer, Eosinophilic fasciitis, Tetanus, Systemic infections or inflammation, Nutritional inadequacy, Metabolic imbalance, Toxicity, Side effects of medication.

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