text: torn rib muscle? i was unloading a 40 foot trailer at work and when i went to pull a box my chest was against another box and when i pulled the box from up top, i felt a very sharp pain just below my bottom rib bone and it felt like i had something between the rib bone and the box under my skin an it has been getting better and worst at times and i wanted to know if it was more serious than just a torn muscle.  the pain is still with me and i am 48 year old male.  thank you it could be a couple of things.  most likely it is a muscle or hernia.  if it hurts bad when you breath it could be an intercostal muscle, these are the muscles that help you breath.  i would see a doctor if the pain doesn't go away.  stay away from any pain medication because that will just mask the pain.  make sure the pain goes away because your body recovered.