Hi,I am Dr. Gopal Goel (Orthopaedic Surgeon). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
What Causes Sharp Pain In The Left Side Of The Rib Cage?
22 year old male. 6 3 . 185 lbs. Sharp pain in the left side of my rib cage under the chest muscle. Has happened periodically over the past 6 to 8 years. Lasts for about 5 seconds. I take 2 to 3 deep breathes and it goes away. Had a doctor check my heart beat for any abnormality but none were found.
Mon, 31 Aug 2015
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement, Dr. Saurabh Gupta's Response
Hi, Thanks for your query. * Left side chest pain is what we are always afraid of as heart issues can give such symptom. However if the pain has appeared suddenly with shortness of breath and someradiation to the arm, pneumothorax is possible. This condition can appear with no reason. Sometimes sudden cough or sudden lift of heavy object can cause it. It is more possible if you smoke or have chronic lungs disease like asthma or bronchitis. If nothing like that is present, strained muscle is the most probable reason. Strained muscle usually appears only when the chest is moving, and should be completely gone when lying down and not breathing. If the pain is sharp and well localized, more intense when breathing, rib nerve issue is the most probable reason. In both cases, rest and anti-inflammatory medicines like Diclophenac should help.
I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care
I find this answer helpful
You found this answer helpful
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
What Causes Sharp Pain In The Left Side Of The Rib Cage?
Hi, Thanks for your query. * Left side chest pain is what we are always afraid of as heart issues can give such symptom. However if the pain has appeared suddenly with shortness of breath and someradiation to the arm, pneumothorax is possible. This condition can appear with no reason. Sometimes sudden cough or sudden lift of heavy object can cause it. It is more possible if you smoke or have chronic lungs disease like asthma or bronchitis. If nothing like that is present, strained muscle is the most probable reason. Strained muscle usually appears only when the chest is moving, and should be completely gone when lying down and not breathing. If the pain is sharp and well localized, more intense when breathing, rib nerve issue is the most probable reason. In both cases, rest and anti-inflammatory medicines like Diclophenac should help. I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care