Intercostal Muscle Strain: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective TreatmentAn intercostal muscle strain can cause sharp or aching chest pain, impacting daily tasks like breathing and coughing. Commonly resulting from sudden movements or repetitive stress, this injury affects the muscles between the ribs. Causes include sports injuries, trauma, overexertion, or poor posture. Symptoms range from sharp pain to limited…An intercostal muscle strain can cause sharp or aching chest pain, impacting daily tasks like breathing and coughing. Commonly resulting from sudden movements or repetitive stress, this injury affects the muscles between the ribs. Causes include sports injuries, trauma, overexertion, or poor posture. Symptoms range from sharp pain to limited upper body motion. Diagnosing involves medical history, physical exams, and possibly imaging. Treatment typically includes rest, ice, compression, and pain relief, progressing to heat therapy and physical rehabilitation. Recovery time varies with strain severity, and prevention focuses on proper posture and gradual activity escalation. Early management and rehabilitation facilitate recovery.