Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers | April 15, 2026 | Personal Injury
Chest injuries can cause a range of symptoms, including pain, weakness, and difficulty breathing. These issues can interfere with your ability to work and perform daily activities. One common type of chest injury is an intercostal muscle strain.
Understanding how this injury occurs, its symptoms, and when to seek medical care can help you protect your health—and your legal rights if the injury was caused by someone else.
Intercostal Muscle Strains Explained
An intercostal muscle strain occurs when the muscles between your ribs are stretched or torn. These muscles, known as intercostal muscles, play a critical role in breathing by helping your chest expand and contract.
Your ribcage consists of 12 ribs on each side, with muscles running between them in spaces called intercostal spaces. These muscles are divided into three layers:
- External intercostal muscles
- Internal intercostal muscles
- Innermost intercostal muscles
Together, they support breathing by allowing your lungs to expand when you inhale and contract when you exhale.
When these muscles are strained, even simple actions like breathing, coughing, or moving can become painful. In more severe cases, the injury may lead to stiffness, muscle spasms, and limited mobility.
What Causes Most Intercostal Muscle Strains?
Intercostal muscle strains are often caused by sudden or forceful movements that stretch the chest muscles beyond their limits. These injuries are frequently linked to accidents or physical strain.
Common causes include:
- Direct trauma to the chest, such as during a car accident
- Twisting motions, especially during slip and fall accidents
- Heavy lifting or overexertion
- Sports-related injuries
- Severe or prolonged coughing
For example, the force of a seat belt tightening during a collision can strain the chest muscles. Similarly, twisting your body suddenly to break a fall can overstretch the intercostal muscles.
What Are the Symptoms of an Intercostal Muscle Strain?
The symptoms of an intercostal muscle strain can vary depending on the severity of the injury. However, most people experience noticeable discomfort that worsens with movement.
Common symptoms include:
- Sharp or aching pain in the ribs or chest
- Pain that increases when breathing, coughing, or sneezing
- Muscle stiffness or tightness
- Tenderness when touching the affected area
- Muscle spasms
- Difficulty taking deep breaths
Because these muscles are essential for breathing, even mild strains can feel severe. In some cases, the pain may mimic more serious conditions, such as a rib fracture or lung issue.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
While many intercostal muscle strains heal with rest and home care, some symptoms may indicate a more serious injury that requires medical evaluation.
You should seek medical attention if you experience:
- Severe or worsening chest pain
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain following a significant accident or trauma
- Symptoms that do not improve after a few days of rest
- Signs of a possible rib fracture, such as intense localized pain
A doctor may perform imaging tests, such as X-rays, to rule out broken ribs or internal injuries. Prompt diagnosis can ensure you receive appropriate treatment and avoid complications.
Can an Intercostal Muscle Strain Lead to a Personal Injury Claim?
An intercostal muscle strain can lead to a personal injury claim if it was caused by someone else’s negligence. These injuries often occur in accidents such as car crashes, slip and falls, or workplace incidents where another party may be responsible.
Even though this type of injury is considered a soft tissue injury, it can still result in meaningful physical limitations, medical expenses, and time away from work. If your injury was caused by unsafe conditions or another person’s careless actions, you may be able to pursue compensation for the impact it has had on your life.
Speaking with a personal injury lawyer can help you better understand your options and whether you have a valid claim.
Contact Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Sandusky Personal Injury Lawyer
An intercostal muscle strain in Ohio can disrupt your daily life, especially if it was caused by an unexpected accident. You should not have to deal with the financial and physical consequences on your own.
For more information, contact the Ohio Personal Injury law firm of Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
We have six convenient locations in Ohio: Sandusky, Mansfield, Port Clinton, Vermilion, Norwalk, and Huron.
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Sandusky
502 W Washington St,
Sandusky, OH 44870
(419) 625-7770
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers– Mansfield
6 W 3rd St Suite 200 B,
Mansfield, OH 44902
(419) 910-2605
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Port Clinton
132 Madison St,
Port Clinton, OH 43452
(419) 871-3995
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Vermilion
1513 State Rd,
Vermilion, OH 44089
(440) 967-6136
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Norwalk
13 Whittlesey Ave,
Norwalk, OH 44857
(419) 863-5922
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Huron
202 Cleveland Rd W unit 1
Huron, OH 44839
(419) 827-5884
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Westlake
24610 Detroit Rd Suite 230,
Westlake, OH 44145
(419) 502-5821