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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.
The muscles found between your ribs are called intercostal muscles. Together with other chest muscles, the internal and external intercostal muscles allow movement and stabilize your chess wall.However, they can be strained during sports or other conditions when sudden twisting of upper body occurs.Read this article for full understanding of intercostal muscles and its strain.here are two types of intercostal muscles: the internal and the external intercostal muscles. These muscles have blood vessels and nerves, which are also found in the intercostal space between ribs.