A torn rib muscle, or intercostal muscle strain, involves injury to the muscles located between the ribs. These muscles stabilize the upper body and facilitate breathing by helping the rib cage expand and contract. This injury occurs when these muscles are stretched, pulled, or torn, leading to discomfort and limited movement. This type of injury is common and can cause considerable pain.
Key Symptoms of a Torn Rib Muscle
A torn rib muscle typically causes localized pain between the ribs. This pain can be a sharp, stabbing sensation or a dull ache, intensifying with specific movements.
Pain frequently worsens when taking deep breaths, as the intercostal muscles are actively engaged in expanding the chest cavity. Coughing, sneezing, or laughing can also trigger a sharp increase in pain due to the sudden, forceful muscle contractions involved. Twisting or bending the torso, reaching overhead, or lifting objects can similarly exacerbate the pain.
The affected area may also exhibit tenderness when touched. Visible swelling or bruising can accompany the injury, especially in more severe cases. Due to the pain experienced with breathing, individuals might find themselves taking shallow breaths, which can lead to a feeling of shortness of breath.
How Rib Muscle Tears Occur
Rib muscle tears often result from sudden, forceful movements or direct trauma to the chest. Intense coughing or sneezing can strain the intercostal muscles.
Strenuous physical activities, such as weightlifting with twisting motions, or sports like rowing, tennis, and golf, which require repetitive upper body movements, can overstretch and injure these muscles. Direct impacts to the rib cage from falls, car accidents, or contact sports can also cause the ribs to be forced apart, tearing the intercostal muscles. Repetitive motions or overexertion, especially if muscles are weakened, contribute to the likelihood of such injuries.
Steps Towards Recovery
Recovering from a torn rib muscle generally involves rest to allow healing. Avoiding activities that aggravate the pain, particularly twisting or heavy lifting, is helpful. Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times daily during the first 24-48 hours can help reduce soreness and swelling. After this initial period, applying heat can help relax muscles and improve blood flow.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs like ibuprofen, can manage discomfort and inflammation. While painful, avoid taking shallow breaths; deep breathing exercises, often with a pillow held against the ribs for support, can help prevent lung complications. Recovery time varies depending on the strain’s severity, with mild cases improving in days to weeks, and more extensive tears taking several months.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical attention if rib pain is severe, persists for more than a few days, or interferes with daily activities or sleep. Medical evaluation is recommended if the pain is accompanied by difficulty breathing, especially if breathing becomes extremely labored or shortness of breath worsens. These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition.
Other warning signs include pain with fever, chills, persistent coughing, or coughing up blood. If the injury resulted from significant trauma, such as a car accident or a severe fall, a medical professional can assess for other potential injuries like a broken rib or internal damage. A doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis and rule out other causes of rib pain.