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What Causes Back Pain Radiating To Ribs?

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Posted on Tue, 3 Mar 2015
Question: I have mid back pain that radiates into my ribs ..It's on the right side and it is hard to breath..I have tried everything such as ice, heat, perscription pain pills and muscle relaxers..nothing helps..I do not have a gallbladder it was removed several years ago
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Causes to be seen by proper investigations.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Read and understood your problems.
To recapitulate: 47 / F - Mid back pain radiating to the right side - hard to breathe - gall bladder removed years ago - nothing is working ...

With the history you have provided, I would think of the following reasons:
- Prolapsed disc in the thoracic segment.
- Shingles or post-Shingles
- Pain from fractured rib/s
- Pain from Pleura (covering of the lungs)

I would suggest you the following:
-Doctor's opinion, actual examination, and reference for investigations. Direct examination for Shingles, local palpation for fractured ribs, Auscultation to see the classical sounds of the ribs crackling or pleural rub and so on.
-X-ray of the chest in AP and right lateral view and confirmation of the possible causes by CT scan of the chest.
-MRI of the thoracic spine for prolapsed discs and associated problems.

All these things are important as the proper diagnosis alone can give the proper guideline for treatment.

I hope this answer helps you to get the earliest diagnosis and proper treatment based on the reports and Physical examination.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)
they did a chest xray yesterday and it showed nothng..no out of place ribs no fractured ribs

also, the spot where it hurts in my back is very tender to the touch as well as my ribs
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
MRI if no Shingles.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.
If the spot is so tender to touch also, and the ribs too, and tried everything go for MRI of the area.
Has the Doctor suggested this to be Shingles ?
Since when have you got the pains ? Sometimes it takes few days to see the typical red spots of Shingles .
Is the pain throbbing / burning / cutting in character ?


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (11 hours later)
no shingles..but pain is dull and throbbing and is in back, ribs and shoulder..It started on january 22nd and hasn't gotten any better
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
MRI

Detailed Answer:
please get the MRI done .
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. T Chandrakant

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 19777 Questions

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What Causes Back Pain Radiating To Ribs?

Brief Answer: Causes to be seen by proper investigations. Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for your query. Read and understood your problems. To recapitulate: 47 / F - Mid back pain radiating to the right side - hard to breathe - gall bladder removed years ago - nothing is working ... With the history you have provided, I would think of the following reasons: - Prolapsed disc in the thoracic segment. - Shingles or post-Shingles - Pain from fractured rib/s - Pain from Pleura (covering of the lungs) I would suggest you the following: -Doctor's opinion, actual examination, and reference for investigations. Direct examination for Shingles, local palpation for fractured ribs, Auscultation to see the classical sounds of the ribs crackling or pleural rub and so on. -X-ray of the chest in AP and right lateral view and confirmation of the possible causes by CT scan of the chest. -MRI of the thoracic spine for prolapsed discs and associated problems. All these things are important as the proper diagnosis alone can give the proper guideline for treatment. I hope this answer helps you to get the earliest diagnosis and proper treatment based on the reports and Physical examination.