Intercostal muscle strain is an injury affecting the muscles between two or more ribs. Symptoms can include sharp, direct pain, stiffness, and mobility difficulties. The intercostal muscles have ...

An intercostal muscle strain happens when you pull or partially tear the muscles between your ribs. You can do this by lifting, twisting, or being hit in the ribcage — but healing can take a while.

The abdominal muscles relax while your diaphragm contracts downward, pushing all your guts out of the way. Your intercostal muscles contract to expand your rib cage, lowering the air pressure in your ...

Muscle contraction is the tightening, shortening, or lengthening of muscles when you do some activity. It can happen when you hold or pick up something, or when you stretch or exercise with weights.