HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes Persistent Pain Under Rib Cage?

Posted on Thu, 20 Aug 2015

Question: I have a pain that has persisted for months under my rib cage on the left side around the back just above the elbow. Kinda feels like a pulled muscle but that should have healed by now. What else could it be?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It can be hairline fracture in ribs

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case. I think that you might have hair line fracture in ribs that is causing pain. Other cause can be lung or heart related. I would recommend you to get chest x ray to confirm the diagnosis.
If there is any fracture then you need to take calcium and vitamin D 3 regularly. Also hot water fomentation will be helpful.
if it is due to heart problem then ECG can be best test. It will tell us if your heart is over working and causing pain.
Third cause can be lung infection. Chances are high if you are a smoker or you have chronic cough.
So please get chest x ray and ECG as soon as possible. I hope this answer will be useful for you. Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thanks

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (7 hours later)

I failed to note that approximately 3 days before the pain started I had taken a fall off of a horse landing on my back and hip back in mid May. Shouldn't the pain be subsiding by now? Could there be damage to the spleen? I am indeed taking medications for heart disease which is making me cough chronically but why just one side. when I cough it is not deep enough to aggravate the pain, Only when I take an extra deep breath is the pain agrivated.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You might have rib fracture

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case and I think that you might have rib fracture that is causing pain with deep coughing and movements.
I would suggest you to apply hot water fomentation and rest. It will take at least four weeks to become completely normal. I do not think that it is spleen injury but if you are feeling pain more in abdomen then you might get ultrasound to rule out this.
I hope this answer will be useful for you.Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thanks

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E