When people picture a ribcage, what most often comes to mind is the rib bones, within which sit the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys. Between these bones, however, are vital muscles that assist with breathing and movement. These are the intercostal muscles.
As with any other muscle in the body, the intercostal muscles can sustain strains from trauma such as car accidents, falls, and overuse. Learn more about these injuries and whether you might qualify to file a personal injury claim after sustaining one.
Understanding Intercostal Muscle Strains: Symptoms and Causes
The intercostal muscles are a group of muscles located between the ribs. Their function is to expand and contract the chest cavity during breathing. There are external, internal, and innermost intercostals. These rib muscles promote thoracic stability by creating tension that maintains structural integrity when you breathe, cough, sneeze, or stretch.
An intercostal muscle strain can occur when any of these muscles is torn, pulled, or overstretched.
The most common symptoms of an intercostal muscle strain include:
- Pain when twisting or bending
- Local tenderness
- Dull aching or sharp pain in the ribs or chest
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle tightness
Strained intercostal muscles can result from sudden twisting or turning of the torso. Activities like yoga, tennis, and golf can all lead to strains, as can heavy lifting or overhead reaching. Athletes and people who work in the construction industry frequently experience these injuries.
However, the most common causes of intercostal muscle injuries involve trauma. Car and motorcycle accidents, falls, and assaults can all leave you with torn or overstretched muscles.
Diagnosing and Treating an Intercostal Muscle Strain
To diagnose strained rib muscles, your doctor will conduct a physical exam, during which they’ll palpate the area to pinpoint the pain and swelling. They’ll also conduct a range-of-motion test to understand whether some movements cause more pain than others. You may need an MRI or X-ray to rule out other potential causes.
To treat your strain, your doctor will most likely recommend rest. You’ll be asked to avoid heavy lifting, as well as twisting or bending motions. For swelling, you can rely on cold and heat therapy.
It may be necessary to take pain medications as well. Most people will only need over-the-counter medications, but if the injury is severe, your doctor may prescribe something stronger.
Physical therapy can help you regain your range of motion and stability in the affected area. You may need to learn how to breathe fully again, since it’s common for people with rib injuries to breathe shallowly in order to avoid pain.
The specific type of injury you sustained will determine both the appropriate treatment and how long the healing process will take. Mild intercostal muscle strains will usually heal within about three weeks, while more severe strains can take 12 or more weeks.
Contact the Minneapolis Personal Injury Lawyers at Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys for a Free Consultation
An intercostal muscle strain can be a painful and limiting injury that makes it difficult to live your normal life for weeks at a time. You may not be able to work, resulting in lost income, while also having to deal with the physical and emotional distress that intense pain can cause.
If someone else was responsible for your injury, you may have the option to file a personal injury claim and pursue compensation for your various losses. Taking legal action can be complicated, however, so it’s important to have a qualified attorney to guide you. An experienced lawyer can offer the legal advice and support you need to heal and move forward after an injury.
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Minnesota, including Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Edina.
We proudly serve Hennepin County, Stearns County, and their surrounding areas:
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – Minneapolis
825 Nicollet Mall, Suite 615, Minneapolis, MN 55402
(800) 292-1979
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 44.97514068188609, -93.27349979814521
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – St. Cloud
1010 W St Germain St # 320, St Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 255-1000
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 45.55903612908877, -94.16420517306956
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – Edina
5200 Willson Rd #203, Edina, MN 55424
(952) 697-5560
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 44.90963991439301, -93.34937342327198