intercostal muscle strain

The thoracic spine consists of twelve vertebrae which each connect to a pair or ribs. The upper seven ribs are connected directly to the chest bone/sternum and are termed true ribs whereas the lower five ribs do not attach directly to the sternum and are defined false ribs.

The intercostal muscles consists of several groups of muscles ((internal and external intercostals and subcostal and transverse thoracic muscles) which are located between the ribs and function to move and stabilise the chest wall.

These muscles can become strained often as a result of rapid twisting of the torso and are common in sports such as basket ball and tennis.

Muscle strains have three gradings:

• Grade I Strain: This is a mild strain and only some muscle fibers have been damaged. Healing occurs within two to three weeks.

• Grade II Strain: This is a moderate strain with more extensive damage to muscle fibers, but the muscle is not completely ruptured. Healing occurs within three to six weeks.

• Grade III Strain: This is a severe injury with a complete rupture of a muscle. This typically requires a surgical repair of the muscle; the healing period can be up to three months.

Symptoms commonly reported are either a sharp, stabbing pains when breathing to a ever-present, painful ache or soreness located around the ribcage.  The pain is aggravated by deep breathing, side bending and twisting.

The degree of disability along with the rate of recovery will depend on the grade of the muscle strain. Given above is a general guideline as to the rate of recovery from a muscle strain per se however, the healing time may be longer due to our constant need to breathe and therefore low grade irritation to the healing site

Treatment for an intercostal strain

There is a degree of cross over between the symptoms of a rib fracture and an intercostal strain and so before treatment commences it is pertinent to have a thorough

orthopaedic and neurological assessment.

Once an intercostal muscle strain has been diagnosed, the intial stages of care will be focused on reducing the inflammation and bleeding at the injury site through rest and icing.

At the Bodymoiton Chiropractic and Sports Injuries clinic, hands on treatment will involve a combination of of ultrasound and soft tissue work to help reduce the associated muscle spasm and scarring at the injury site. In addition, manipulation and mobilisation of the throacic spine may be beneficial in helping to reduce the stress through the injury site. Postural advice and specific stretches will also be given.

If you have any questions, please do not hesiate to contact one of our chiropractors at enquiries@body-motion.co.uk