INTERCOSTAL
PAIN
Pain between the ribs or in the chest can be musculoskeletal in origin, but it should first be assessed by a doctor. With Dr. Verbitskiy in Maribor, after medical exclusion of dangerous causes, we use manual therapy to ease tension in the thoracic spine and ribs.
Chest pain has many causes, including problems with the heart and lungs, so the first assessment is always medical. If those causes are excluded, intercostal pain is often the result of tension in the muscles between the ribs, restricted mobility of the joints between the vertebrae and ribs, or irritation of the intercostal nerves. The pain can be sharp and stabbing and worsens with breathing in, coughing or turning the trunk.
Why intercostal pain occurs
When dangerous causes have been excluded, the following are often present:
- 🔹 Restricted mobility of the joints between the thoracic vertebrae and ribs
- 🔹 Tension in the intercostal muscles and chest muscles
- 🔹 Prolonged sitting with a rounded back and a monotonous posture
- 🔹 A sudden movement, lifting a load or an injury
- 🔹 Irritation of an intercostal nerve from tension or changes in the thoracic spine
- 🔹 Stress and shallow breathing, which increase muscle tension
How intercostal pain presents
Common signs are:
- 🔹 Sharp or stabbing pain along the ribs, usually on one side
- 🔹 Worsening with a deep breath, coughing or sneezing
- 🔹 Pain when turning or bending the trunk
- 🔹 Tenderness when pressing between the ribs
- 🔹 Pain that wraps around the trunk like a belt
- 🔹 Tension in the thoracic spine and between the shoulder blades
How we treat intercostal pain
Treatment is adapted to your condition. The aim is to reduce tension and improve mobility of the thoracic spine and ribs, and to make breathing easier.
1. Conversation and assessment
A careful history, examination of the thoracic spine and ribs, and an assessment of whether the origin is musculoskeletal.
2. Manual therapy
Release of tight muscles and gentle improvement of mobility of the thoracic spine and ribs.
3. Guidance
Breathing and chest mobility exercises and posture guidance.
Pain between the ribs we help with
People most often come to us with these problems:
- 🔹 Pain between the ribs when breathing or turning the torso
- 🔹 Sharp pain at the side of the chest
- 🔹 Pain after an awkward movement or lifting
- 🔹 Tension in the muscles of the thoracic spine
- 🔹 Pain that gets worse with coughing or a deep breath
Signs that require immediate attention
Call emergency medical help (112) immediately for tight, burning or pressing chest pain that radiates into the left arm, neck or jaw, for difficulty breathing, cold sweat, nausea, fainting, or after a chest injury. These may be signs of a heart attack or another emergency.
With any new or unexplained pain in the chest, the first step is a medical examination. Manual therapy is a complement, not a replacement, and is suitable only once dangerous causes have been excluded.
What our patients say
Verbitskiy, Manualna terapija - Osteopatija, diagnostika, rehabilitacija, d.o.o. · Maribor
Watch videos about manual therapy and osteopathy on our YouTube channel.
Visit YouTube channel →Frequently asked questions about intercostal pain
Can pain between the ribs be cardiac?
Yes, chest pain can be a sign of a heart or lung problem. That is why the first assessment is always medical, and manual therapy comes only after dangerous causes have been excluded.
How do I recognise muscular chest pain?
It usually worsens with trunk movement, breathing in or pressure on the painful spot. Only a clinical examination gives a reliable assessment.
Can intercostal pain cause breathing difficulties?
Because of the pain the breath is not deep, which gives a feeling of laboured breathing. With real shortness of breath, call 112 immediately.
When is urgent help needed?
With any first occurrence of chest pain, with pain that radiates into the arm, neck or jaw, and with difficulty breathing or sweating.
May I move?
After the medical assessment, gentle movement that does not worsen the pain is usually suitable. You will receive guidance after the examination.
How many treatments do I need?
It depends on the cause and duration; musculoskeletal problems often improve within a few visits.
Contact us
Get in touch with any questions or to book an appointment.
Please bring one large towel with you to your appointment.
Please confirm your appointment by phone or WhatsApp one hour beforehand, or two hours beforehand if you are travelling a long way. This way you avoid a wasted trip if an appointment has to be rescheduled at short notice.