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What Causes Pain In Back And Lower Ribs After An Accident?

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Posted on Fri, 20 Jun 2014
Question: I have pain in lower ribs, on and off, front and back, not serious, like a toothache more on right than left; feels muscular. Due to car accident many years ago, I am few cms shorter and more flexible on right side than left which is stronger and more muscular.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rohit Gulati (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
hi, its neuropathic pain

Detailed Answer:
Hi this type of pain usually starts any time after the trauma has stopped and is usually the memory of nerves of the previous trauma. Take medicine Pregabalin 60 mg Once daily, aceclofenac 200 mg + acetaminophen 500 mg twice daily, painkiller ointment/ spray twice daily, hot fomentation locall twice daily. You shall feel better in a weeks time.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Rohit Gulati (15 minutes later)
I feel really badly about taking all those drugs. I am fully committed to Ayurvedic health. Are you saying this is something in the intercostal rib muscles?

Could this be exacerbated by carrying my laptop everyday over my shoulder as I walk for 15 minutes up and down hills?

If so I could do this differently. It is really very annoying having doctors tell you to take drugs all the time. Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rohit Gulati (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
hi, not related to laptop carrying

Detailed Answer:
Hi, this surely does not look like anything happenings from laptop carrying. Esp when you mention that you are muscular on that side. Tjis is due to the injury on ribs and not intercostal muscles. And carried my sympathetic nerve fibers long after the trauma s gone.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Rohit Gulati (4 hours later)
I am not sure what injury on the ribs you are talking about?
The accident I had 45 years ago did not affect my ribs at all. It affected my leg and hip and therefore left my left leg shorter than my right leg.
That has resulted in a spinal scoliosis.

the muscular strength is in the left side - the opposite side from where my leg and hip were injured and not the right side where most of the pain is occurring.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rohit Gulati (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
hi, sorry for the confusion

Detailed Answer:
Hi

In your previous query you never mentioned the site of previous injury. So it is very normal for me to assume that injury was in the area that you are talking the pain about. Muscular mass you mentioned was on the right ( re read your previous question).

Scoliosis due to limb shortening is a good enough reason for the pain in subcostal region. You will have to go for physiotherapy for muscle strengthening of same area. Local ointment application shall help.
Wearing a thick insole into your shoe on the shorter side will help functional improvement.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Rohit Gulati

Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 252 Questions

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What Causes Pain In Back And Lower Ribs After An Accident?

Brief Answer: hi, its neuropathic pain Detailed Answer: Hi this type of pain usually starts any time after the trauma has stopped and is usually the memory of nerves of the previous trauma. Take medicine Pregabalin 60 mg Once daily, aceclofenac 200 mg + acetaminophen 500 mg twice daily, painkiller ointment/ spray twice daily, hot fomentation locall twice daily. You shall feel better in a weeks time.