Torn Intercostal Muscle: What to Know

Intercostal muscles sit between the ribs and help the chest expand and contract. Forceful twisting, coughing, lifting or a blow can strain them. Pain is often localised between the ribs and may increase with a deep breath, cough, sneeze, trunk rotation or pressure on the area. Rib, lung and heart problems can feel similar, so chest pain should not be labelled a muscle tear without appropriate assessment.

Avoid the activity that triggered the pain, but do not deliberately take shallow breaths all day. Breathe gently within comfort and support the painful area when coughing if advised. Use only pain medicine that is appropriate for your medical history. As pain eases, gradual walking and controlled trunk movement can prevent stiffness. A clinician may tailor rehabilitation to your breathing, work and sport demands.

Seek emergency help for chest pain with breathlessness, fainting, sweating, blue lips, confusion, coughing blood or pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back. Get prompt assessment after a significant impact, or if breathing becomes difficult, fever develops or pain is rapidly worsening. A clinician should review ongoing pain that prevents deep breathing or sleep.

Ask what findings support a muscle injury, whether the ribs or chest need checking, how to breathe comfortably and which activities to avoid. Ask when gentle strengthening can start and what symptoms should trigger urgent review.