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What Causes Pain In Ribs?
Question: I've had rib pain for about a year now. I think it is one that is not connected to sternum I've been to my GP thrice. negative xrays. sometimes rib moves and "pops". right now it hurts about 4" to 6" from my spine. may be muscle spasms. Have been taking vitamin d3,calcium & naproxen. Have been on web trying to find out what it is. Am thinking SLIPPED RIB SYNDROME? What I would like to know is how is a rib that slips out of place on spine treated
20 yrs ago ,a hemangioma in my T9 vertebra was seen on a MRI I had for upper back pain
20 yrs ago ,a hemangioma in my T9 vertebra was seen on a MRI I had for upper back pain
Brief Answer:
causes could be many
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXX,
Thanks for thew query under HCM forum.
I understand your concern.
** Pain in the ribs can be from multiple causes like-
- bony lesions - trauma, fracture, osteoporosis,
- due to joint involvement of ribs to sternum/ spine, inflammation of costochondral junction( junction between rib bone with cartilage)
- Involvement of thoracic spine/disc
- Involvement of underlying organs like lungs/ pleura/ -causing cough due to different causes.
* hemangioma is a self limited condition related to estrogen hormone causing proliferation of blood vessels . It might have caused periodic back pain in your case.
* * Investigations including blood counts (TLC,DLC,ESR-where a simple cause like eosinophill cells rise can be detected along with all other infections of lungs/ serum calcium & vitamin D - (though you are already taking it)indicates bony weakness/ Xray chest P/A & lateral view ( CT/MRI as per need)/ X ray for thoracic spine, rib fractures .
** treatment consists of treatment of the cause found .I would advise you to consult your family physician to start with, he will examine you, get you investigated & treat you according to the cause found OR he may refer you to an Orthopedic doctor for further management, if he finds it needful.
* * Now about Slipped rib syndrome- It is caused by involvement of joints in rib cage. causing dysfunction of rib.. irritating inter coastal muscles & pain in the rib/chest. It is usually in front side of chest. It is increased by deep breathing, laughing.
-Diagnosis is by a careful physical examination by physician. Imaging hardly plays any role in diagnosis.
- Treatment is by Anti inflammatory drugs/ inter coastal nerve blocks given under sonographic guidance.
some times a combined therapy is advocated -where of nerve blocking (which relaxes inter coastal muscles) is ,followed by manual adjustment helps.
This way a methodical assessment of the problem to find exact cause followed by specific treatment under expert's care will defiantly take you out of your agony.
I hope the answer has provided sufficient information & will help you .
Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.
causes could be many
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXX,
Thanks for thew query under HCM forum.
I understand your concern.
** Pain in the ribs can be from multiple causes like-
- bony lesions - trauma, fracture, osteoporosis,
- due to joint involvement of ribs to sternum/ spine, inflammation of costochondral junction( junction between rib bone with cartilage)
- Involvement of thoracic spine/disc
- Involvement of underlying organs like lungs/ pleura/ -causing cough due to different causes.
* hemangioma is a self limited condition related to estrogen hormone causing proliferation of blood vessels . It might have caused periodic back pain in your case.
* * Investigations including blood counts (TLC,DLC,ESR-where a simple cause like eosinophill cells rise can be detected along with all other infections of lungs/ serum calcium & vitamin D - (though you are already taking it)indicates bony weakness/ Xray chest P/A & lateral view ( CT/MRI as per need)/ X ray for thoracic spine, rib fractures .
** treatment consists of treatment of the cause found .I would advise you to consult your family physician to start with, he will examine you, get you investigated & treat you according to the cause found OR he may refer you to an Orthopedic doctor for further management, if he finds it needful.
* * Now about Slipped rib syndrome- It is caused by involvement of joints in rib cage. causing dysfunction of rib.. irritating inter coastal muscles & pain in the rib/chest. It is usually in front side of chest. It is increased by deep breathing, laughing.
-Diagnosis is by a careful physical examination by physician. Imaging hardly plays any role in diagnosis.
- Treatment is by Anti inflammatory drugs/ inter coastal nerve blocks given under sonographic guidance.
some times a combined therapy is advocated -where of nerve blocking (which relaxes inter coastal muscles) is ,followed by manual adjustment helps.
This way a methodical assessment of the problem to find exact cause followed by specific treatment under expert's care will defiantly take you out of your agony.
I hope the answer has provided sufficient information & will help you .
Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
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