Suggest treatment for pain in between the ribs

Posted on Mon, 25 May 2015

Question: Hello Dr. Rynne

I have a pain in between my ribs on my left side. When i turn to the right I feel the pain the most. Some days it's better but I notice when I sleep on my left side the pain is worse the next day. Sometime's it almost feels like a spasm. It's been going on for months now. I am 5'4, 118 pounds, in good health, I work out everyday. Thank you in advance

Answered by Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are mostly having musculoskeletal pain.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your situation and problem.
By your history and description, in my opinion you are mostly having musculoskeletal pain.
Since it is left sided chest pain, better to rule out cardiac cause first.
So get done ecg.
If ecg is normal then no need to worry for cardiac cause.
Try to follow these steps for better symptomatic relief.
1. Avoid heavyweight lifting and strenuous exercise.
2. Avoid painful movements.
3. Avoid bad postures in sleep.
4. Start painkiller and muscle relaxant drugs.
5. Apply warm water pad on affected site.
After doing all these for 1 week, if you are still having pain then get done chest x ray to rule out lung pathology.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.

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

Follow up: Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar (9 hours later)

Thank you so much for your response. I wouldn't say it's left sided chest pain, it's more left side towards the back and at the bottom of the rib cage. When it is flaring up I find that taking a deep breath is a bit uncomfortable. My yoga friends keep say intracostal strain. Your thoughts?

Regards XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, it is more likely intracostal strain.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on HCM.
Yes, your friends are right.
It looks like musculoskeletal pain more, intracostal pain.
So follow advice given in previous answer.
Do all the steps for 1 week.
You will mostly improve.
If not improving after 1 week then get done chest x ray to rule out internal damage.
Avoid yoga and exercise for 1 week.
Hope I have solved your query.
If you are not having further queries, then please close the conversation and rate my answer.
You can ask me directly on bit.ly/askdrkaushalbhavsar.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.

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