Chest
Intercostal Muscle Strain

A strain or tear of the muscles between the ribs, often caused by twisting, overuse, or sudden force.

  • Sharp or aching rib pain
  • Pain with twisting or bending
  • Pain with deep breathing
  • Muscle tightness
  • Tenderness between ribs
  • Sharp pain with movement
  • Worse when twisting or reaching
  • Pain with deep breaths or coughing
  • Twisting movements in sports
  • Sudden rotation or stretching
  • Overuse during training
  • Forceful coughing
  • Does twisting your torso make it worse?
  • Does it hurt to take a deep breath?
  • Can you pinpoint pain between ribs?

Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.

  1. 1Rest from aggravating movement
  2. 2Ice 10–15 minutes
  3. 3Avoid twisting or heavy activity
  4. 4Gentle movement as tolerated
  • Severe difficulty breathing
  • Chest pain worsening quickly
  • Pain not improving over time
  • Gradually return to movement
  • Avoid sudden twisting early
  • Strengthen core muscles
  • Progress activity slowly

For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice.

Tracks symptoms over time (not a diagnosis).