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What Causes Left Sided Ribcage Pain?

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Posted on Sat, 26 Apr 2014
Question: Hello, I have had issues with some pain on my left side for a while now. When I say pain on my left side I mean my left pectoral and left rig cage are mainly the issue. I also have some issues on the back of my neck. I can do some physical exercise (like golf) really without the pain but I did like a 100 push ups (standard, wide, close) and I've done these before so it isn't my first time but for often then not I get severe pain on my left side. I never have any pain on my right side and it is only on my left side. My ribs and my upper pectoral and extremely sore to the touch and my left side is perfectly fine. I also feel discomfort at the top of my neck and the base of the skull. Afterwards like the next day it also feels like twitches almost in my pectoral muscle. I have also drank protein shakes in the past as I thought I was low on protein but I also eat plenty of red meat as well. I have a CT with contrast of my neck with nothing showing anything here. Why would I experience these issues always on the left side but the right side is perfectly fine?
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Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (2 hours later)
Brief Answer: Pectoral muscle strain on left side. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for your query. From description it seems to be pectoral muscle strain on left side causing the symptoms. To get relief from the pain and for quick healing: 1. Do hot fomatation at the site. 2. Apply local anti-inflammatory gel 2-3 times a day. 3. Take anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen to reduce pain and local swelling or inflammation. 4. Do not lift weight or try to do exercise that involve painful muscles. Give proper time to heal. If your symptoms are not getting better with the above measures, I suggest you to consult an orthopaedic surgeon for further evaluation and management. You may require MRI scan to confirm diagnosis and assess the severity of injury. I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Saurabh Gupta

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 5930 Questions

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What Causes Left Sided Ribcage Pain?

Brief Answer: Pectoral muscle strain on left side. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for your query. From description it seems to be pectoral muscle strain on left side causing the symptoms. To get relief from the pain and for quick healing: 1. Do hot fomatation at the site. 2. Apply local anti-inflammatory gel 2-3 times a day. 3. Take anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen to reduce pain and local swelling or inflammation. 4. Do not lift weight or try to do exercise that involve painful muscles. Give proper time to heal. If your symptoms are not getting better with the above measures, I suggest you to consult an orthopaedic surgeon for further evaluation and management. You may require MRI scan to confirm diagnosis and assess the severity of injury. I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care