What Is an Intercostal Muscle Strain?
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers | January 7, 2026 | Personal Injury
Chest pain after an accident can be alarming. While heart or lung injuries are often the first concern, pain between the ribs can be caused by an intercostal muscle strain. These injuries are common after car accidents, falls, and sports collisions in San Diego, CA.
An intercostal muscle strain can be painful, disruptive, and slow to heal. Understanding what this injury is, how it happens, and what treatment looks like can help injured individuals know what to expect during recovery.
Understanding the Intercostal Muscles
Intercostal muscles are groups of muscles that run between each rib. They play a crucial role in stabilizing the chest wall, allowing the rib cage to expand and contract during breathing.
Because these muscles are constantly active, even small injuries can cause significant discomfort. Any movement that involves twisting, coughing, deep breathing, or lifting can aggravate an intercostal muscle strain.
What Is an Intercostal Muscle Strain?
An intercostal muscle strain occurs when one or more of these muscles is overstretched or torn. The injury can range from a mild overstretch to a partial or complete tear.
Doctors typically classify muscle strains into three grades. Grade 1 strains involve mild stretching, Grade 2 strains involve partial tearing, and Grade 3 strains involve a complete rupture of the muscle. More severe strains usually take longer to heal and may limit normal movement for weeks or months.
Common Causes of Intercostal Muscle Strains in San Diego
Intercostal muscle strains can occur in various everyday situations, but they are particularly common after sudden or forceful movements.
Common causes of intercostal muscle strains in San Diego include:
- Motor vehicle accidents: Car accidents are a leading cause of intercostal muscle injuries. The force of a collision, seatbelt restraint, or airbag deployment can strain the muscles between the ribs, even when there are no visible fractures.
- Falls and impact injuries: Slipping on wet surfaces, falling from ladders, or landing hard during recreational activities can stretch or tear chest wall muscles.
- Sports and recreational activities: San Diego’s active lifestyle encompasses a range of activities, including surfing, cycling, weightlifting, and contact sports. Sudden twisting motions or direct blows to the chest can cause strains to the intercostal muscles.
- Repetitive or forceful movements: Heavy lifting, sudden coughing fits, or repetitive overhead motions can also lead to muscle strain, particularly if the muscles are already fatigued.
Knowledge of how the injury happened might provide helpful context for how best to treat it.
Symptoms of an Intercostal Muscle Strain
Symptoms can vary in severity depending on the extent of the injury. Common signs include sharp or aching pain between the ribs, tenderness when pressing on the area, muscle tightness, and pain that worsens with movement or deep breathing.
Some people also experience muscle spasms or swelling. Because chest pain can signal more serious injuries, medical evaluation is important to rule out rib fractures or internal trauma.
How Intercostal Muscle Strains Are Diagnosed
Doctors usually begin with a physical examination and a discussion of how the injury occurred. Imaging tests such as X-rays may be used to rule out broken ribs, while MRI scans can help identify more severe muscle tears if symptoms persist.
Prompt diagnosis is important, especially after an accident, because chest injuries are sometimes overlooked in the early stages of treatment.
Treatment Options for Intercostal Muscle Strains
Treatment depends on the severity of the strain and whether other injuries are present.
Conservative Treatment
Most intercostal muscle strains are treated without the need for surgery. Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and activity modification are commonly recommended. Doctors may also suggest breathing exercises to reduce stiffness and prevent shallow breathing.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help restore flexibility, reduce pain, and strengthen surrounding muscles. Therapy is often recommended when pain lasts longer than expected or interferes with daily activities.
Severe Cases
In rare cases involving significant muscle tears or complications, additional medical intervention may be needed. Recovery time can extend several months for more serious strains.
How Intercostal Muscle Strains Can Disrupt Daily Life
Unlike some injuries, intercostal muscle strains affect nearly every movement. Simple actions like getting out of bed, driving, lifting groceries, or sleeping comfortably can become painful.
Many people are surprised by how long it takes to recover. Returning to work or physical activity too soon can exacerbate symptoms and prolong the healing process, especially for jobs that involve lifting or twisting.
Contact Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for Help from a San Diego Personal Injury Lawyer After a Chest Injury
If you suffered an intercostal muscle strain in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence in San Diego, Mission Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand your legal options. For more information, contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer at our firm to schedule a free consultation today.
If you’ve been injured in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.
We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.
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We also serve the state of Texas. For legal assistance, contact our personal injury law office in El Paso today.
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