Soothing Your Sides: Effective Relief for Intercostal Muscle Strain

Key Takeaways

• Intercostal muscle strains are caused by overextension or tearing of muscles between the ribs, often from sudden movements or impact. Symptoms include sharp pain, muscle rigidity, and breathing difficulties.
• Diagnosis requires a thorough history, physical exam, and sometimes imaging to rule out other causes of chest pain.
• Treatment includes rest, pain medication, physical therapy, and home remedies. Prevention focuses on warm-ups, stretching, and avoiding sudden, strenuous torso movements.

Understanding Intercostal Muscle Strain

Intercostal muscle strain is a common cause of sharp chest pain, especially when breathing, twisting, or coughing. These muscles, located between the ribs, help expand and contract your ribcage during breathing. Strains occur when these muscles are overstretched or torn, often from sudden movement, overexertion, or direct impact.

Anatomy and Function of Intercostal Muscles

The intercostal muscles are divided into three layers: external, internal, and innermost. The external intercostals lift the rib cage for inhalation, the internal intercostals help with forced exhalation, and the innermost layer assists with forceful expiration. These muscles are essential for breathing and trunk stability.

Causes of Strain

Intercostal muscle strains can result from:

• Sudden twisting or bending
• Direct impact (falls, car accidents, contact sports)
• Repetitive motions (tennis, golf, heavy lifting)
• Severe coughing or sneezing
• Poor posture or weak muscles

Unconditioned muscles and abrupt increases in activity increase the risk of strain.

Identifying Symptoms of Intercostal Muscle Strain

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Sharp, sudden pain in the chest or upper back, especially with movement or deep breaths
• Muscle stiffness, tightness, or spasms
• Tenderness between the ribs
• Pain worsened by coughing, sneezing, or twisting
• Difficulty breathing deeply

Pain and Discomfort

Pain is often sharp and localized, aggravated by movement, coughing, or deep breathing. Some may experience muscle cramps or severe discomfort requiring medical attention.

Comparing Intercostal Muscle Strain to Other Chest Pain

Intercostal muscle strain pain is typically worsened by movement and is distinct from pain caused by heart or lung conditions. Rib fractures cause more intense pain and may show visible deformity. Other causes of chest pain include precordial catch syndrome, costochondritis, and cardiac disorders. Imaging may be needed to rule out serious conditions.

Seeking Professional Help & Diagnosis

If you experience severe, persistent, or worsening chest pain—especially after trauma or if it disrupts sleep or daily activities—seek medical advice to rule out serious conditions.

When to Consult a Doctor

See a doctor if:

• Pain is severe or lasts more than a few days
• Breathing is difficult
• There is a history of trauma
• Other symptoms (fever, cough, heart palpitations) are present

Diagnostic Process

Diagnosis includes a physical exam, patient history, and sometimes imaging (X-ray, MRI) to rule out fractures or internal injuries. The doctor will check for tenderness, swelling, and range of motion.

Effective Treatment Options

Most intercostal muscle strains heal with conservative care:

• Rest and avoid activities that worsen pain
• Apply ice for 15–20 minutes several times daily for the first 48 hours, then use heat
• Take NSAIDs (ibuprofen) or acetaminophen for pain and inflammation
• Try gentle stretching and breathing exercises as pain improves
• Physical therapy for persistent or severe cases

For more on related conditions, see intercostal neuralgia symptoms and causes.

Prolotherapy

In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat Intercostal Muscle Strain.
Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and regenerative benefits.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen cells, the small cells needed to help with Intercostal Muscle Strain.
As prolotherapy is helping to treat the root cause of Intercostal Muscle Strain, it is deemed to be a permanent fix, preventing the symptoms from returning.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prolotherapy may not be suitable for everyone, and outcomes can vary. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read here.

Medications

NSAIDs and acetaminophen relieve pain and inflammation. Muscle relaxants or prescription pain medications may be used for severe cases. Corticosteroid or lidocaine injections are options for persistent pain.

Physical Therapy and Exercises

Physical therapy restores range of motion, corrects imbalances, and prevents future injuries. Recommended exercises include gentle stretching, yoga poses, thoracic extensions, and breathing techniques. Stop any exercise that increases pain.

Home Remedies

Cold packs reduce swelling in the first 48 hours; heat therapy relaxes muscles after that. Diaphragmatic breathing, pillow support, and Epsom salt baths can help relieve pain and promote healing.

Prevention and Long-term Outlook

Preventive Measures

• Warm up and stretch before activity
• Strengthen core and intercostal muscles
• Avoid sudden twisting or overexertion
• Gradually increase activity intensity

Recovery Timeline

Mild strains may heal in a few days; moderate strains take 4–8 weeks. Severe (grade 3) strains may require months and sometimes surgery.

Summary

Intercostal muscle strain is a common cause of chest pain, often from overuse or injury. Early recognition, rest, and proper care lead to a full recovery. Prevent future strains with warm-ups, stretching, and gradual increases in activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a pulled intercostal muscle feel like?

Tightness, soreness, and discomfort with movement or deep breaths. Rest and medical advice are recommended.

How long does it take for an intercostal muscle strain to heal?

Most heal in 4–6 weeks, but severe strains may take longer.

How do you fix an intercostal rib strain?

Rest, ice, gentle stretching, and pain relief. Gradually return to activity as pain improves.

Should I go to the doctor for an intercostal strain?

Yes, if pain is severe, persistent, or associated with other symptoms. Proper diagnosis is important.

Pain in ribs when coughing?

Coughing can strain intercostal muscles, causing pain. Rest and ice can help reduce symptoms.

Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call

Don’t let Intercostal Muscle Strain control your life any longer. Join the thousands of patients who have found lasting relief through prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.

Get in Touch

• Phone: +44 1234 380345
• Email: info@prohealthclinic.co.uk

Our Clinic Locations

• London: 104 Harley Street, Marylebone, W1G 7JD
• Manchester: The Hadley Clinic, 64 Bridge Street, M3 3BN
• Bedford: The Village Medical Centre, Kingswood Way, MK40 4GH

All clinics offer the same award-winning prolotherapy treatment with convenient appointment times, including evenings and weekends.

Author Bio

Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Oliver Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating Intercostal Muscle Strain, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.

With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with Intercostal Muscle Strain and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.

He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.

Mr Eaton’s expertise has been featured in many national news and media publications, including The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Daily Express, Women’s Health Magazine, and The Scotsman.
Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
LinkedIn profile

References

1. Murphy, D. J., & Kahanov, L. (2013). Intercostal muscle strain: diagnosis and management. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 12(2), 99-104.
2. Hegedus, E. J., et al. (2012). Physical examination tests of the intercostal muscles: a systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 46(14), 1047-1054.
3. ProHealth Clinic case studies and clinical experience, 2024.
4. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2023). Chest Wall Injuries. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/chest-wall-injuries/
5. National Health Service (NHS). (2023). Pulled muscle in your chest. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pulled-muscle-in-your-chest/

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.