Intercostal muscle pain

PolkaDots7916

I've had mild chest tightness (not so much of a pain) for the past week which is worse when I lay down. It takes me a good 30 minutes to get comfortable enough to fall asleep, so I went to the walk in clinic today and after a thorough exam the doctor, he diagnosed me with intercostal muscle pain.

I have never been a fitness buff or even what I would call an active person (embarrassingly enough). I'm 28, and am wanting to be in good shape for my wedding next summer and be generally healthier because we hope to start a family soon after. That said, about a month ago I bought a mini trampoline and have been jumping on it 5-6 days per week. The doctor agreed that heavy breathing from cardio is probably what did it to my muscles. He did say to continue exercising though, and to take ibuprofen if the pain is bad.

Has anyone else had intercostal muscle pain? What did you do for it? Since I've never been very active, it makes sense that beginning cardio would do this, because I'm sure my intercostal muscles are not used to this at all. I am hesitant to continue because from what I've read it can take a lot of time to heal, and I'm worried continuing cardio would make it worse or make healing take longer. Should I continue, slow down, take a break? I would hate to take a break because I've been doing so well.

pondee629

Maybe you should ask the Doctor who diagnosed you, or your own Doctor, these questions?

fiddletime

I've tweaked my intercostal muscles not sure what I was doing. They're muscles between your ribs. I continued to jog. Some people tweak them from coughing.

jimmmer

Everything from being punched/kicked too hard, to messing up a handrail on my skateboard to slipping in the shower and mashing myself against the side of the tub.

Ribs take time and are a pain in the *kitten* 'cause you use them all the time (breathing/moving/etc).

Just be patient and don't do anything too aggressive and they'll heal up.

ninerbuff

Yes. From jui-jitsu when I "upa"ed someone wrong. Because you have to breathe, the muscle doesn't really "rest". So recovery time takes a bit longer. As mentioned above, don't be aggressive with it and it will heal up.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Cherimoose

PolkaDots7916 wrote: »

I've had mild chest tightness (not so much of a pain) for the past week which is worse when I lay down.

That's unusual that it's worse when lying down. Muscular injuries usually hurt worse when using the muscle hard. I wonder if you actually have something else, like costochondritis or intercostal neuralgia. Doctors sometimes miss these. Anyway, try walking or cycling instead, while belly breathing.