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What Causes Sharp Pain Below Ribcage And In Back?

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Posted on Wed, 8 Jun 2016
Question: I have a sharp pain on my right side close to my back & right below my rib cage - I have seen a urologist & he says it is not my kidney - what else could it be ?? My Email is : YYYY@YYYY - My name is XXXXXXX XXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Please give additional information, take painkiller

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: Female/87 - sharp pain - 7 on a scale of 1 to 10 - right side - below rib cage - Urologist says not the kidney - thinks of a neurological issue emanating from spinal cord - perhaps arthritic spur - used cold packs and Tens unit - feels deep inside and less on sitting down - lot of gas and belching - wants to know whether any connection to the digestive tract...

May I please know a few more details:
- Since when is the problem?
- Is the pain localized to the spot or spreads to the wider area or is referred to the lateral or front part of abdomen or to the lower limbs?
- Any other associated problems like Diabetes or so?
- How are the stools? Any bloating, farts, pain in abdomen, nausea or vomiting?
- Since when have you got the gas problems and did it start along with the pain problems?

Please give feedback as it will help me to assist you better.

From the history provided by you, There can be a local problem, enhanced further by the problem of gas.
Since you have been seen by Urologist, I would advise you to go for MRI of the Spine to help the diagnosis; get treated for the gas and belching problems. Take an anti-inflammatory medicine with painkiller properties like Ibuprofen if it suits you as the pain is 7 on a scale of 1 to 10. Relax, rest.

I hope this answer helps you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (58 minutes later)
This problem started about a month ago & comes on in mid afternoon -it lasts until I go to bed about 10 PM . It goes away when I lay down for awhile.It is localized to that area & doesn't affect other areas. I have no diabetes or other problems . When this comes on , I belch about every minute or so . I do have a constipation problem & take Mirolax when it gets really bad .At times it seems like my sphincter muscle is not working.This severe belching started when the pain started about a month ago altho I have had belching problems off & on for years. I have been told to drink more water which I am trying to do - I have urinated 4 times since 4 PM & it is now 10 PM. I have no bloating , nausea , vomiting or passing gas - just severe belching which also goes away when I lie down as does the pain. What kind of diet should I be on to correct this problem ??
Also , I have no other pain in other areas of my abdomen or bowel - just the one localized place
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Thanks for detailed feedback

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thank for your detailed feedback.
It indicates that the problems is related to the deep muscles and/or inter-vertebral joints.
The possible aerophagia associated with the pain can cause gas and belching or is a reflex phenomenon associated with the pain.
Constipation adds on the problem.

I would advise you the following:
- Please take Miralax in a dosage and frequency to have soft clear stools.
- Increase your water intake in the morning till afternoon to have clear urine as well as helping to clear constipation. So it does not trouble you post-evening and at night.
- Diet: This is always a subjective thing. You have to list up the foods and beverages that cause more problems related to constipation, frequency of urination, gases or any problems and to stop them altogether.
Have a list of the foods and beverages that suit you the best and to continue these.
- You may need a prescription based painkillers with anti-inflammatory medicines and the ones to help the belching directly (which tighten the lower esophageal sphincter) or indirectly (by reducing the pain, aerophagia and so on).
- Get clinical evaluation of the problems and investigated as per the clinical examination to get an appropriate diagnosis and a plan for treatment to clear all the problems that you have.

I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for more if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

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

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 19777 Questions

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What Causes Sharp Pain Below Ribcage And In Back?

Brief Answer: Please give additional information, take painkiller Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for your query. To recapitulate: Female/87 - sharp pain - 7 on a scale of 1 to 10 - right side - below rib cage - Urologist says not the kidney - thinks of a neurological issue emanating from spinal cord - perhaps arthritic spur - used cold packs and Tens unit - feels deep inside and less on sitting down - lot of gas and belching - wants to know whether any connection to the digestive tract... May I please know a few more details: - Since when is the problem? - Is the pain localized to the spot or spreads to the wider area or is referred to the lateral or front part of abdomen or to the lower limbs? - Any other associated problems like Diabetes or so? - How are the stools? Any bloating, farts, pain in abdomen, nausea or vomiting? - Since when have you got the gas problems and did it start along with the pain problems? Please give feedback as it will help me to assist you better. From the history provided by you, There can be a local problem, enhanced further by the problem of gas. Since you have been seen by Urologist, I would advise you to go for MRI of the Spine to help the diagnosis; get treated for the gas and belching problems. Take an anti-inflammatory medicine with painkiller properties like Ibuprofen if it suits you as the pain is 7 on a scale of 1 to 10. Relax, rest. I hope this answer helps you.