John W. Redmann | March 10, 2026 | Personal Injury
Your intercostal muscles play an important role by linking each rib to the adjacent rib bones. When you injure them, it can be tough to find relief, as they are activated during all sorts of movements. One of the most common types of intercostal muscle injuries is a strain, which can happen during a pedestrian accident, sports activity, or crash.
Here’s everything you need to know, including signs, symptoms, and treatment options.
How Do Intercostal Muscle Strains Happen?
An intercostal muscle strain refers to an injury affecting the muscle between your ribs. These muscles help stabilize your chest wall and are also used in breathing. When they are stretched too far or torn, you may experience pain and inflammation. The pain may be worse when you move your torso or breathe deeply.
Intercostal injuries range from overstretching to tears. These injuries can be related to overuse, a traumatic incident, or sports activity. Even a seemingly minor strain can be incredibly painful, as the muscles are activated when you breathe. As a result, it may be hard to find relief or place yourself in a position of comfort.
How Are Intercostal Muscle Strains Categorized?
Intercostal muscle strains are typically grouped into one of three grades:
- Grade I strains involve overstretching of the muscles with little to no tearing.
- Grade II strains involve partial tearing of the muscle fibers.
- Grade III strains are complete tears, also called ruptured intercostal muscles.
The more severe your injury, the longer it will take to heal and the greater the impact on your upper body mobility.
Symptoms of an Intercostal Muscle Strain
Here are some common signs that you may have a strained intercostal muscle:
- Sharp or aching pain between your ribs
- Pain that worsens when you cough, sneeze, or breathe deeply
- Muscle tightness or spasms in your chest or upper back
- Swelling or bruising
If your intercostal muscle injury was caused by a traumatic incident, such as a bicycle crash, seek medical attention right away. Don’t assume that your injuries are minor or that you will be “just fine” without seeing a doctor. Shortness of breath and severe pain are especially concerning. A medical professional needs to evaluate you and may order imaging to rule out other injuries, such as fractured ribs.
How To Treat Injured Intercostal Muscles
Your treatment options will vary depending on the severity of your muscle damage.
Common interventions include:
- Rest
- Avoiding heavy lifting or twisting motions
- Taking anti-inflammatory medication as prescribed
- Gradually introducing activity and stretching
Your healthcare provider may order imaging, such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI, to accurately diagnose the extent of your injuries.
How Long Does an Intercostal Back Muscle Strain Take To Heal?
Your road to recovery will vary based on the grade of the strain and how well you adhere to the treatment program. Grade I injuries may improve within a few weeks with rest. Grade II or grade III injuries can take months to heal.
As with any injury, it is critical to consult your doctor regarding a realistic timeline for your specific diagnosis.
Contact the Gretna Personal Injury Lawyers at the Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. for a Free Consultation
Whether your intercostal muscle injury was caused by a car accident, overexertion during physical activity, or something else entirely, the key is seeking treatment early. Visit a medical professional and follow any follow-up recommendations to alleviate pain and prevent the injury from worsening.
If you need legal help after an intercostal muscle strain, call the Gretna personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. to schedule a free consultation.
If you were injured in an accident in Metairie or Gretna, Louisiana, and need legal help, contact our personal injury attorneys at The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC, to schedule a free case review today.
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