Intercostal Muscle Strain Agony. These can often be the same as something more serious so it s important to be evaluated by a doctor before attempting self treatment at home. Intercostal muscles strain vary according to the type and intensity of injury strain of intercostal muscles causes rib chest pain upper back pain and affect the breathing pattern the patient will present with shallow short breathing pattern due to pain.
Intercostal muscle strain is an injury affecting the muscles between two or more ribs. See all about upper back pain. Mechanism of injury.
Intercostal muscle strain occurs as a result of tear in the muscle between the ribs or known as the intercostal muscle.
In rare cases this swelling can cause blood to pool or clot around the strained muscles called a hematoma. The symptoms include pain tenderness swelling muscle tightness and sometimes shortness of breath. Injuring the intercostal muscles can potentially lead to further complications. But age or a sedentary lifestyle can place you at higher risk.