Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment. Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice.
Intercostal retractions occur when the muscles between the ribs pull inward. The movement is most often a sign that the person has a breathing problem. Intercostal retractions are a medical emergency.
Intercostal Strain. In the spine there is an intercostal muscle group consisting of the internal and external intercostals, and the subcostal and transverse thoracic muscles, located between the ribs in the thoracic cavity.These muscles can become strained due to rapid movements that bend or twist the upper body suddenly.n the spine there is an intercostal muscle group consisting of the internal and external intercostals, and the subcostal and transverse thoracic muscles, located between the ribs in the thoracic cavity. These muscles can become strained due to rapid movements that bend or twist the upper body suddenly.