Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis | May 5, 2026 | Other
Between your ribs, you have layers of tissue that attach to those bones and help build up the chest wall. That tissue is what’s known as “intercostal muscle.”
These muscles assist with breathing and provide flexibility to your chest. Any type of trauma can cause damage to them, resulting in pain and stiffness.
If you suffered an intercostal muscle strain in an Ohio accident, it’s important to understand what this injury involves and how you can obtain compensation for it through a legal claim.
Symptoms of an Intercostal Strain
Strained intercostal muscles occur when the tissue is twisted or stretched beyond its limits.
This leads to tearing, which causes a number of symptoms in the chest area, including:
- Sharp rib and upper back pain
- Worsening pain after repetitive movements
- Worsening pain when coughing or sneezing
- Muscle rigidity when twisting or bending the upper body
- Tenderness between the ribs
Injured intercostal muscles can also spasm, which can be very painful. Breathing could be difficult, as well.
Common Causes of Intercostal Muscle Strains in Ohio
You can suffer painful rib muscles for a variety of reasons, but the majority of instances in Ohio involve some form of trauma. Being in a car accident, experiencing a slip and fall, or going through a workplace accident that causes an overexertion of these muscles can all lead to a strain.
Diagnosing and Treating an Intercostal Muscle Strain
A physical exam is usually necessary to diagnose an intercostal muscle strain. Your doctor will check for any limitations of movement and get a sense of the type of pain you’re experiencing. In some cases, you may need an MRI or an ultrasound. These tools can help rule out other injuries, such as broken ribs.
The treatment you receive will depend on the severity of the injury. For milder injuries, you might not need more than cold and heat therapy, though it’s essential to speak with a doctor about the right treatment strategy. You might need to avoid all strenuous physical activity, which could mean taking a few days off work.
If the pain is significant, you could require painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications. Splinting the area could be helpful as well. In more serious cases, you may even need physical therapy to regain muscle mobility. If you notice that you’re struggling to breathe, it’s essential to seek immediate medical assistance.
Personal Injury Claims After Suffering an Intercostal Muscle Strain
An intercostal muscle strain can leave you unable to work for days at a time or more and could require ongoing medical care. The good news is that if the injury occurred because of another party’s misconduct, you may be entitled to compensation from them. It will usually require showing that the other party was negligent or acted wrongfully.
Negligence claims generally require proving the following four elements:
- Duty of care: The defendant had a legal obligation to act with reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others.
- Breach of duty: The defendant failed to meet that standard of care through an act or omission.
- Causation: The defendant’s breach directly caused or substantially contributed to the plaintiff’s injury.
- Damages: The plaintiff suffered actual harm or losses as a result of the defendant’s conduct.
An attorney can help you understand how these elements fit into your specific situation and what evidence you’ll need to prove them.
Contact the Lima Personal Injury Attorneys at Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis to Set Up a Free Consultation
After suffering a painful injury like an intercostal muscle strain, pursuing compensation via a personal injury claim can help you address the losses you may be facing. An experienced attorney can be a valuable partner for this process, fighting for your rights at every step.
If you were injured in an accident in Lima, OH, and need legal help, contact our personal injury lawyer at the Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis to schedule a free case review today.
We proudly serve Allen County and the surrounding areas.
Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis Personal Injury Lawyers Lima
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Lima, OH 45801
(419) 404-4444
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