Whenever you reach, twist or breathe, the injured muscle may feel . Intercostal muscle strains are muscle tears2 in the intercostal muscles. What are the symptoms of intercostal muscle strain? You can strain or pull your intercostal muscles in many different ways. An intercostal muscle strain will produce pain and tightness in the chest and/or ribs that . Source: blogsdir.imgix.net Signs and symptoms of an intercostal muscle strain. Studies show 30% of people are suffering some type of pain right now. Upper back pain or pain in the rib cage may be significant and come on suddenly, especially if the injury was caused by . Sudden severe pain, in the upper back or rib cage due to a direct blow or sudden impact to the chest or sudden increase in the physical activity. What are the symptoms of intercostal muscle strain? A severe or sudden sting of pain that accompanies a blow to the ba