Every breath, cough, laugh, or simple twist of the body depends on a group of muscles and nerves working together around your ribs. One of these is the intercostal nerve, which runs beneath each rib and carries pain signals from the chest wall. A rib fracture, surgery, shingles, or a muscle injury can irritate this nerve and cause sharp, burning, or stabbing pain. Every day life becomes frustrating when every breath or small movement reminds you of the pain. Many people try to wait it out or manage it with pain medication, but temporary relief does not always treat the irritated