An intercostal muscle strain occurs when the muscles between your ribs stretch or tear. These muscles, known as intercostal muscles, help you breathe and move your upper body. When injured, they can cause sharp chest pain, tightness, and trouble breathing.
Even a mild strain can make it hard to turn, reach, or take a deep breath without discomfort.
The Function of Intercostal Muscles
Your intercostal muscles are between your ribs and form part of your chest wall. They expand and contract your rib cage to help you breathe. When you inhale, the external intercostal muscles lift your ribs and increase space in the chest cavity.
When you exhale, the internal intercostal muscles pull your ribs downward to push air out. The innermost layer helps control chest pressure and keeps the ribs aligned. Without these muscles, normal breathing would not occur.
How Intercostal Muscle Strain Occurs
Intercostal muscle strain typically results from sudden movement, overuse, or direct impact. Actions like twisting the torso, lifting heavy objects, or falling can overstretch the muscle fibers. Sports that involve quick upper body motions—such as tennis, golf, or baseball—also increase the risk of injury.
Blunt trauma to the ribs, such as from a car accident or collision, can lead to a tear. Poor posture or prolonged sitting may gradually weaken the chest and back muscles, making them more vulnerable to strain. In some cases, even a forceful cough or sneeze can trigger pain if the muscles are already tight or fatigued.
Common Symptoms of an Intercostal Muscle Injury
You may notice pain in one side of your chest, especially during movement, coughing, or deep breathing. The area can feel tender when pressed, and the pain may spread toward your shoulder or upper back. Muscle spasms sometimes occur as the body tries to protect the injured area.
If you have a strain, you might also find it hard to sleep or get comfortable because any movement triggers pain. Some people notice bruising around the ribs. Sharp pain with each breath often leads people to think they have a heart or lung issue, but the source lies in the muscles instead.
Treatment and Recovery for Intercostal Muscle Strain
Treatment for an intercostal muscle strain involves an exam to make sure the muscle isn’t too damaged, followed by rest and gentle physical therapy. Unless torn, the muscles can heal on their own with time and proper protection from overworking.
After the initial pain decreases, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises help restore normal motion. A physical therapist may recommend exercises that rebuild strength and flexibility in the chest and upper back.
They may also teach breathing exercises to keep your lungs strong while you recover.
Legal Claims for Accident-Related Intercostal Injuries
You may have a solid personal injury case if someone else caused your injury. We often help clients gather evidence, such as photos, witness statements, and medical records, to support their claims.
Immediate medical attention after the accident helps connect the injury to the event. Keeping records of your treatment and symptoms strengthens your case. An accident that causes chest trauma may lead to steep medical expenses, physical pain, and time away from work.
Filing a claim helps you recover financial losses caused by another party’s carelessness. An experienced attorney can review each case carefully to determine liability and pursue fair compensation for our clients.
Schedule a Consultation With a Personal Injury Attorney
Legal issues after an accident can be overwhelming, especially while you’re recovering from an injury. A consultation gives you the chance to review your case, understand your legal rights, and explore possible next steps with a qualified personal injury attorney.
For more information, please contact Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We have two locations in Alaska, including Anchorage and Eagle River.
Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers – Anchorage
2525 Gambell St #410,
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 290-8980
Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers – Eagle River
13135 Old Glenn Hwy, Suite 101
Eagle River, AK 99577
(907) 802-4097
