Craig D. Rosenbaum | April 1, 2026 | Personal Injury
Between your ribs, you have a series of muscles that help with breathing and stabilizing the chest. These are called intercostal muscles. As with any other type of muscle, you can strain these tissues between your ribs, leading to pain and even breathing difficulties.
An intercostal muscle strain that occurs because of another party’s misconduct can leave you unable to live your life normally. You could end up with all manner of medical expenses, along with lost wages if you need to take time off to heal.
What Is an Intercostal Strain?
A muscle strain occurs when you stretch, pull, or tear muscles.
Strained intercostal muscles can lead you to experience:
- Pain that worsens when breathing deeply, sneezing, or coughing
- Sharp upper back pain
- Tension and stiffness in the affected muscles
- Pain that worsens with repetitive movements
- Tenderness in the area between the ribs
- Muscles spasms
- Muscle rigidity when bending or twisting the upper body
Intercostal muscle strains don’t generally occur from regular activity, but they can be the result of overexertion or trauma. For example, being in a car accident in which your torso twists beyond its natural range of motion can cause damage to these muscles.
You may also sustain a strain to your intercostal muscles from repetitive motions. If you reach overhead repeatedly, as can occur if you perform construction work, you can also suffer these injuries.
Direct blows can also cause damage to these muscles. If you’re assaulted, get hit while playing contact sports, or even have a slip and fall accident and hit your chest against something, you can end up with injured intercostal muscles.
How Severe Can an Intercostal Muscle Strain Be?
The severity of an intercostal muscle strain can vary widely, from mild discomfort to significant pain that interferes with daily activities. Minor strains may heal with rest and conservative treatment, while more serious injuries can make simple movements—like breathing deeply, bending, or lifting—extremely painful.
In severe cases, the injury can limit your ability to work, exercise, or even sleep comfortably. Because symptoms can worsen without proper care, it’s important to seek medical attention and follow a treatment plan to support a full recovery.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From an Intercostal Muscle Strain?
Recovery time depends on the severity of the strain and your overall health. Mild intercostal muscle strains may heal within a few weeks with rest and basic care, while more serious injuries can take several weeks or even months to fully recover.
During this time, activities that strain the chest—such as heavy lifting, twisting, or intense physical work—may need to be limited. Following your doctor’s recommendations, including rest, physical therapy, or pain management, can help speed up recovery and reduce the risk of re-injury.
What Are Your Legal Options After an Intercostal Muscle Strain?
If someone else’s actions caused your injury, you may be able to recover compensation through a legal claim. Your options depend on how the injury happened.
- Personal Injury Claim: You can file a claim if another party acted negligently and caused your injury.
- Car Accidents (New York No-Fault): You must first file a claim with your own insurance. If your damages exceed coverage, you may pursue a claim against the at-fault party.
- Workplace Injuries: You’ll file a workers’ compensation claim through your employer. You generally cannot sue your employer directly.
- Third-Party Claims: If someone other than your employer contributed to your injury, you may file a personal injury claim alongside your workers’ comp claim.
- Time Limits: In most cases, you have three years to file a claim in New York, though exceptions may apply.
Understanding your legal options early can help protect your right to compensation.
Contact a Bronx Personal Injury Lawyer at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you suffered an intercostal muscle strain due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Navigating these claims can be complex, especially with insurance rules and legal deadlines.
The team at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers can handle every step of your case, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait to get the help you need—contact us today for a free consultation.
For more information, please contact Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We have three convenient locations around Manhattan, NY, near you in New York City, The Bronx, and Brooklyn.
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
100 Wall St 24th Floor, New York, NY 10005
(212) 514-5007
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Bronx Office
1578 Williamsbridge Rd suite 3b, Bronx, NY 10461
(212) 514-5007
(917) 905-2339
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
32 Court St #704, Brooklyn, NY 11201
(212) 514-5007
(917) 920-7332
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