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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severe Pain In The Rib Cage?

Hi, my name is Madison. Recently, I ve been having pains in my left rib cage. I think it s an overlapped rib, but I went to get X-rays a couple of months ago and they said that nothing was wrong with it but that I might of strained my rib? .. It s been hurting on and off since then, but lately it s been hurting for a couple weeks, causing me not to be able to lay on my right side without my rib like digging into my side and causing pain. I have no idea what it is or why it hurts, but I would like to figure out as soon as possible. If you could help me that would be great.
Mon, 4 May 2015
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Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist,  's  Response
Here you have given only one symptom that is pain in rib towards your left rib cage.

It can be due to over strain at your Costochondral joint ( joint between your rib and the central chest bone called as sternum) , or pain due to acidity but this will also be associated with heart burn and symptoms like stomach pain and vomitting or diarrhoea, it can also be due to deficiency of calcium and vitamin D.

In your case since you have only pain at rib cage and your x ray is also clear that means it can be strain at costochondral joint of rib cage at affected area or else weakness of rib cage at affected area due to calcium or vitamin D deficiency.

I suggest to visit ortho and physio for proper examination and treatment planning. You can also use hot pack at home for some relief in pain. But pain is protective mechanism of our body and you should check the cause of pain and do treatment as per that to have long term relief.

I am sure this will help you if you follow the suggestion. take care.
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What Causes Severe Pain In The Rib Cage?

Here you have given only one symptom that is pain in rib towards your left rib cage. It can be due to over strain at your Costochondral joint ( joint between your rib and the central chest bone called as sternum) , or pain due to acidity but this will also be associated with heart burn and symptoms like stomach pain and vomitting or diarrhoea, it can also be due to deficiency of calcium and vitamin D. In your case since you have only pain at rib cage and your x ray is also clear that means it can be strain at costochondral joint of rib cage at affected area or else weakness of rib cage at affected area due to calcium or vitamin D deficiency. I suggest to visit ortho and physio for proper examination and treatment planning. You can also use hot pack at home for some relief in pain. But pain is protective mechanism of our body and you should check the cause of pain and do treatment as per that to have long term relief. I am sure this will help you if you follow the suggestion. take care.