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What Causes Pain In Muscle Above Left Ribs?

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Posted on Wed, 9 Jul 2014
Question: I have pain in my muscle above left ribs...across the top of my b reast area. agony for 4 days....ibroprofen helps a bit. paracetamol doesnt help at all. definitely outside my rib cage. coughing is impossible as it hurts too much
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Pain could be because of costochondritis

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing your query
After going through your suffering, the pain could be of costochondritis (painful when ribs are pressed), may be relieved by following measure along with the drugs like tramadole/hydrocodone.These may be taken under medical guidance.
My suggestion would be-
1. Avoiding unnecessary exercise or activities that make the symptoms worse; avoid contact sports until there is improvement in symptoms, and then return to normal activities only as tolerated.
2. Rib belt along with hot water fomentation helps.
3. You may be given a local anaesthetic and steroid injection in the area that is tender if normal activities become very painful and the pain does not respond to drugs.

The condition affects females more than males (70% versus 30%)
As far as outlook of costochondritis is concerned it is usually self limiting and may go away of its own most people will recover fully.
If the problem persists you may see a doctor to rule out the other possibilities.
Take care and I shall be glad to answer any further query.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (55 minutes later)
could I not have just pulled or torn a muscle? I do a lot of strenuous excercise and jobs
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Muscle relaxant may help

Detailed Answer:
Hello
It’s good to see you
In the light of new information provided by you, it’s quite possible. My suggestion would be –
1. Hot water fomentation with local analgesic (pain killer) gel application will help.
2. Beside pain killer you may take muscle relaxant drug like Thiocolchicoside, Metaxolone under medical guidance. As these are prescription only drugs.
Hope this information suffices.
Take care and wishing you early recovery.
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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Mukesh Chugh

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement

Practicing since :1997

Answered : 1619 Questions

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What Causes Pain In Muscle Above Left Ribs?

Brief Answer: Pain could be because of costochondritis Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for writing your query After going through your suffering, the pain could be of costochondritis (painful when ribs are pressed), may be relieved by following measure along with the drugs like tramadole/hydrocodone.These may be taken under medical guidance. My suggestion would be- 1. Avoiding unnecessary exercise or activities that make the symptoms worse; avoid contact sports until there is improvement in symptoms, and then return to normal activities only as tolerated. 2. Rib belt along with hot water fomentation helps. 3. You may be given a local anaesthetic and steroid injection in the area that is tender if normal activities become very painful and the pain does not respond to drugs. The condition affects females more than males (70% versus 30%) As far as outlook of costochondritis is concerned it is usually self limiting and may go away of its own most people will recover fully. If the problem persists you may see a doctor to rule out the other possibilities. Take care and I shall be glad to answer any further query. Regards