Understanding and Managing Intercostal Muscle Strain

Intercostal muscle strain is a common injury affecting the muscles between your ribs. It's not fun, and it can make even breathing a pain. But don't worry, there are ways to manage and relieve this pain from home.

Signs and Symptoms

How do you know if you’ve strained your intercostal muscles? Symptoms can vary but usually involve pain in your upper back and ribs. You might feel sharp, sudden pain, especially if you’ve had an injury. Gradual pain can also occur after activities like rowing or swimming.

You might feel:

Sharp upper back and rib pain.
Sudden severe pain from a blow to the chest or back.
Worsening pain with repetitive movement.
Stiffness and muscle rigidity.
Pain when coughing, sneezing, or deep breathing.
Muscle spasms between the ribs.
Tenderness in the area between the ribs.

Intercostal Muscle Strain vs. Other Pains

Upper back pain often comes from poor posture or serious injuries like car accidents. This pain can spread to your shoulder, neck, or other upper body parts. In contrast, intercostal muscle pain is almost always due to overexertion or direct injury.

It’s important to distinguish it from lung pain, which feels sharp and spreads outward. Rib fractures cause much more severe pain than intercostal muscle strains.

Common Causes

Intercostal muscle strains don't usually come from routine activities. They often result from injuries or overexerting your muscles. Here are some common causes:

Direct blows to the rib cage from falls or car accidents.
Impact from contact sports like hockey or football.
Twisting your torso beyond its normal range.
Lifting weights or heavy objects overhead.
Activities requiring prolonged overhead reaching, like painting ceilings.
Repetitive forceful movements, such as playing tennis.
An increase in physical activity, especially if you’re not used to it.

When to See a Doctor

You should see a doctor depending on how bad the injury is. For mild injuries, rest and home treatment could be enough. If your pain is severe, lasts more than a few days, or stops you from sleeping or doing daily activities, see a doctor. If you've had a traumatic injury, or if you’re having trouble breathing, get medical help right away.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose intercostal muscle strains through physical exams. They check your movement and tenderness in the affected areas. They may also ask about recent injuries or sports activities. Sometimes, they order imaging tests like an ultrasound or MRI to rule out other injuries.

Treatment

Home treatment can often handle mild intercostal muscle strains. Here’s what you can do at home:

Use ice packs, then follow with heat therapy.
Rest and limit physical activities for a few days.
Take pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Apply light pressure with a pillow to reduce breathing pain.

For more severe pain, a doctor may prescribe:

Muscle relaxants.
Injections of lidocaine and corticosteroids for pain and swelling.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help bring relief through various stretches and breathing exercises. These exercises can strengthen your intercostal muscles. Deep breathing exercises, in particular, help if you have shallow breathing. Lack of deep breathing can lead to complications like pneumonia.

Remember, stop any activity immediately if it worsens your pain.

Outlook and Prevention

How long does it take to heal? Mild strains often get better within a few days. Moderate strains may take 3-7 weeks, and severe strains can take longer. Most strains heal within six weeks.

To prevent future muscle strains:

Warm up and stretch before exercise.
Don’t overdo physical activities.
Keep your muscles strong.

Conclusion

Intercostal muscle strains are painful but manageable. With home treatment, rest, and medical advice, you can find relief. Keeping fit and using the right techniques can help prevent these strains. Always pay attention to your body, and seek help if needed.

FAQs

What is an intercostal muscle strain? An intercostal muscle strain is an injury to the muscles between your ribs, which can cause pain and difficulty in breathing and moving.
How can I tell if I have an intercostal muscle strain? Symptoms include sharp upper back and rib pain, stiffness, muscle rigidity, and increased pain when coughing, sneezing, or breathing deeply.
What typically causes intercostal muscle strains? Common causes are direct blows to the rib cage, twisting your torso beyond its normal range, lifting heavy objects overhead, and repetitive forceful movements like playing tennis.
When should I see a doctor for intercostal muscle strain? See a doctor if the pain is severe, lasts more than a few days, interferes with your daily activities or sleep, or if you have trouble breathing.
How can intercostal muscle strains be treated at home? Home treatments include using ice and heat therapy, resting, taking over-the-counter pain medications, and applying light pressure with a pillow against the injured area.
Can physical therapy help with intercostal muscle strains? Yes, physical therapy can include stretches and breathing exercises that strengthen your intercostal muscles and improve your breathing, aiding in faster recovery.