Embarassing that I'm actually writing a formal complaint about this one ...

milkman21 · 04-12-2009, 10:13 AM

I sneezed yesterday morning, and I believe I pulled or strained an intercostal muscle. The pain is very local to my right side near the bottom of the rib cage. It's a relatively dull when I'm just sitting here, but it becomes a very sharp pain with laughter, coughing, sneezing, etc.

I was actually OK to go play water polo for an hour yesterday afternoon, and the pain was only minor if I moved into certain positions. However, when I sneeze, cough, or laugh the pain is *very* sharp. Seeing family for the first time in a while yesterday meant that we had a lot of laughs, and the pain got significantly worse during the day as a result. I literally had to walk away from conversations yesterday evening because I didn't want to strain it any further.

What's the best course of action for helping this heal? And if you say "laughter is the best medicine" ... I swear I'll come after you.

Bytsi · 04-12-2009, 10:54 AM

I can't say much for help with healing other than the usual rest and ice, but if it helps to not be alone in this - my gf threw her back out (badly) sneezing when she came to visit. Couldn't even drive home (2 hours) because it was so bad...

milkman21 · 04-13-2009, 09:49 AM

Thanks for the response Bytsi.

The pain is still very sharp when I cough or laugh. I'll have to avoid both, probably for the rest of the week based on how this feels.

I worked out this morning and it felt fine on squats, bench, and some isolation movements. Chin-ups were *not* happening, though. Did two reps and quickly decided it wasn't worth pushing it.

Not sure if this may help in a diagnosis ...

Thanks guys.

fitness-siren · 04-14-2009, 05:08 PM

Hhmmm...maybe it's time to see the doctor if the pain doesn't subside

I hope it gets resolved soon!

eastcoastsurfer · 04-15-2009, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman21

I sneezed yesterday morning, and I believe I pulled or strained an intercostal muscle.

Don't feel bad. I know a guy who sneezed and it caused him to wreck his car

milkman21 · 04-15-2009, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eastcoastsurfer

Don't feel bad. I know a guy who sneezed and it caused him to wreck his car

Well at least I didn't do that

Pain has subsided a bit, but any movements requiring significant torque with my arms overhead are trouble still. Chins and presses are painful (hence, avoided), but a bench press or horizontal row is no problem.

Thanks for the thoughts so far, guys.

UConnJulie · 04-21-2009, 12:20 PM

Could be any number of things from a facet joint strain to a muscle strain. How is it now nearly a week later?