Yes, it is possible to pull a muscle near your ribs, an injury commonly referred to as a muscle strain. A strain occurs when muscle fibers are overstretched or partially torn, causing pain and dysfunction. This injury is a frequent cause of chest wall discomfort because these muscles are constantly working. The resulting pain makes movements like breathing or twisting especially uncomfortable.
The Anatomy of a Rib Muscle Strain
The muscles most susceptible to this type of strain are the intercostals, thin sheets of muscle located between the ribs. These muscles have three distinct layers—external, internal, and innermost—and perform the essential function of stabilizing the chest wall. They move the rib cage up and down to facilitate breathing, meaning they are active with every breath.
While the intercostals are the most frequent source of rib-area pain, other neighboring muscles can also be strained. These include the serratus anterior, which lies beneath the shoulder blade, and the abdominal oblique muscles, which wrap around the lower ribs. An injury to any of these muscles results in localized pain interpreted as originating from the rib area.
Common Activities That Cause Strain and Associated Symptoms
Rib muscle strains typically occur due to sudden, forceful movements or repetitive actions that overstress the torso.
Causes of Rib Muscle Strain
Common causes include violent bouts of coughing or sneezing, which can cause the intercostal muscles to contract suddenly. Injuries also frequently happen during activities that involve forceful or exaggerated twisting of the upper body. Examples include swinging a golf club, throwing a baseball, or lifting a heavy object while rotating the torso. Repetitive motions, such as rowing or painting a ceiling, can also lead to a strain that develops gradually.
Recognizing Symptoms
The symptoms of a rib muscle strain are highly localized. You will typically feel a sharp, stabbing, or pulling pain concentrated directly between or on the affected ribs. This pain is worsened by movements that stretch the torso, such as twisting, bending, or reaching overhead. A hallmark symptom is pain that intensifies when taking a deep breath, coughing, or sneezing. The specific area of the strain will also feel tender to the touch, and you may notice localized swelling or muscle rigidity.
Home Management and Recognizing Serious Injury
For a mild to moderate rib muscle strain, initial home management focuses on reducing pain and inflammation.
Initial Home Care
Resting the injured area is paramount, meaning you must avoid activities that aggravate the pain, particularly twisting or heavy lifting. Apply a cold pack wrapped in a thin cloth to the site for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day during the first 48 hours to control swelling. After two days, switching to a heating pad or warm compress can help relax the muscles and promote blood flow. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs like ibuprofen, can manage discomfort. Most mild to moderate strains heal well with conservative treatment and typically improve within four to six weeks. If pain makes deep breathing difficult, practice gentle breathing exercises to prevent shallow breathing and potential complications like pneumonia.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It is necessary to recognize signs that indicate a more serious underlying injury, such as a rib fracture or internal issue. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe, crushing chest pain, especially if it radiates to the arm or jaw, as this could signal a cardiac event. Other serious red flags include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath that does not improve, coughing up blood, or a high fever above 101°F. A professional evaluation is required if you notice severe bruising, a visible deformity near the ribs, or if the pain fails to improve after seven days of diligent home care.