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What Causes Left-sided Stinging Pain In Lower Rib Cage?

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Posted on Fri, 26 Jun 2015
Question: For the past week or so I have been feeling a sting like pain at the left lower rib cage - it goes away most of the time but now it is always felt even just a sting burning discomfort - when I touch the area it seems like a rib local pain but spreading slightly
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (43 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Muscular pain.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome To HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney. I understand your concern.
Such kind of pain is mostly due to :
1. Muscular chest pain.
2. Costrochondritis.
3. Impending herpes zoster.
Now at your age we should first of all rule out any evidence of cardiac issues with any type of chest pain reason being that we can't afford to miss that.
So get a Chest Xray to rule out any evidence of fracture or pleural effusion that can also cause this kind of pain sensations.
For muscular pain and costrochondritis I would advice you to do hot fomentation of the affected area and apply Diclofenac and methol containing over the country gels locally.
Since the pain is not severe I would not recommend use of any oral pain killers.
A lot many times we also see such early pain and burning sensation in case of impending herpes zoster infection.
So in case you develop any skin lesions see your doctor immediately.
I hope the information helps you.
If you have any further query, please ask me.
Stay Healthy.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (40 minutes later)
I usually feel the area (with my hand) of pain and I trace it and I think it is concentrated in edge of rib cage - a burning sensation no more - only when I sleep face down and to the side of the area that I feel the pain.

My daughter 20 had a similar paining experience - it was diagnosed as a case of 'Costrochondritis' but she is so skinny and was in great pain.

It is not a chest pain - what if it is abdominal or to do with the organs in that area - what would be the symptoms ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Muscular or Chostrochondritis

Detailed Answer:
As discussed your pain pattern is suggestive of Costrochondritis or Muscular pain.
Since it is on left side, it is very unlikely to be due to any abdominal organs issue. Mostly gall bladder issues presents with chest pain and acidity but on right chest of the chest.
I hope you find the information helpful.
Stay healthy.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Anshul Varshney

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 3071 Questions

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What Causes Left-sided Stinging Pain In Lower Rib Cage?

Brief Answer: Muscular pain. Detailed Answer: Welcome To HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney. I understand your concern. Such kind of pain is mostly due to : 1. Muscular chest pain. 2. Costrochondritis. 3. Impending herpes zoster. Now at your age we should first of all rule out any evidence of cardiac issues with any type of chest pain reason being that we can't afford to miss that. So get a Chest Xray to rule out any evidence of fracture or pleural effusion that can also cause this kind of pain sensations. For muscular pain and costrochondritis I would advice you to do hot fomentation of the affected area and apply Diclofenac and methol containing over the country gels locally. Since the pain is not severe I would not recommend use of any oral pain killers. A lot many times we also see such early pain and burning sensation in case of impending herpes zoster infection. So in case you develop any skin lesions see your doctor immediately. I hope the information helps you. If you have any further query, please ask me. Stay Healthy.