Soft Tissue & Chronic Pain
Intercostal Muscle Strain
Strain of the muscles between the ribs, aggravated by breathing and twisting.
Also called: Rib muscle strain.
These strains often follow coughing, a twisting movement, or unaccustomed lifting, and are commonly found alongside restriction of the rib joints themselves.
Pain is typically sharp with deep breathing, twisting, or reaching, and can make simple activities like laughing or coughing surprisingly uncomfortable.
Why this matters
Because breathing itself aggravates it, an intercostal strain is difficult to rest completely and can take longer to settle than a similar strain elsewhere in the body.
Because rib and chest pain can also reflect more serious causes, ruling those out first matters before assuming a strain is the explanation.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Breathing mechanics and stress physiology are closely linked, which is part of why breathing pattern is assessed alongside the strain itself.
Shallow, guarded breathing to avoid pain can itself become a habit that outlasts the original injury, which is worth identifying and correcting.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go. The NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation is scheduled separately, after joining membership.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
This is a concern where medical evaluation, imaging or co-management may be the right first step. Dr. Mike Geran will say so plainly if that is what the history and examination suggest.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- When it's clinically appropriate, yes. Your first visit includes a consultation and examination, and Dr. Geran adjusts at that visit when the findings support it.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Chest pain, breathlessness or pain with exertion must be medically assessed first.
- Chest pain with breathlessness, sweating, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw
- Pain following a significant fall or impact to the chest
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Joint Pain & Staying Active — Shoulders, hips, knees, ankles — extremity function matters as much as the spine.
- Achilles Tendinopathy — Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, usually load-related.
- Ankle Pain — Pain or restriction at the ankle, often after an old injury.
- Ankle Sprain — Ligament injury from rolling or twisting the ankle.
Ready to feel and function better?
Book your first visit and find out what Dr. Mike recommends for you. One price covers your first two visits.