Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Upper Abdominal Pain While Exercising And Right-sided Pain In Ribs?
Question: I have been doing some exercise dvds and started feeling some pain in my upper abdomen when stretching. At first I just thought it was sore muscles but it didn't go away and now if I try to stretch, it feels more like maybe a muscle tear. I also just noticed tonight that when I lift my arm up, I can feel something thin that feels kind of like a vein or like a piece of yarn, where the pain is coming from on the right next to my rib, and it goes down a couple inches toward my belly button. I plan on getting it checked out but won't be able to for a few days and want some kind of idea if it's a probably a strain or could be something else.
Brief Answer:
Rest, protection, compression, ice and medication
Detailed Answer:
Hello madam.Thanks for your query.
I would suspect a muscle strain/muscle pull/a muscle tear (mild degree) as per your description. They all mean the same except the degree and extent of involvement of muscle. All your symptoms are probably due to muscle damage which are mimicking a form of tearing of the muscle fibers. The tearing of the muscle can also damage small blood vessels, causing local bleeding, or bruising, and pain caused by irritation of the nerves supplying this area.
I would suggest the below until you consult your physician-
-Protect the strained muscle from further injury.
-Rest the strained muscle. Avoid the activities that caused the strain and other activities that are painful.
-Ice the muscle area (20 minutes every hour while awake). Ice is a very effective anti-inflammatory and pain-reliever. Local application of small ice packs will help.
-Compression can be gently applied with an elastic bandage, which can both provide support and decrease swelling. Do not wrap tightly.
-Take analgesic- Tab.Ibuprofen 400mg thrice a day after food for one week.This is available over the counter.
Please consult your doctor if the symptoms are increasing or not susbsiding despite these measures.
Get well soon.
Feel free to revert for further queries.
Regards
Dr.Praveen
Rest, protection, compression, ice and medication
Detailed Answer:
Hello madam.Thanks for your query.
I would suspect a muscle strain/muscle pull/a muscle tear (mild degree) as per your description. They all mean the same except the degree and extent of involvement of muscle. All your symptoms are probably due to muscle damage which are mimicking a form of tearing of the muscle fibers. The tearing of the muscle can also damage small blood vessels, causing local bleeding, or bruising, and pain caused by irritation of the nerves supplying this area.
I would suggest the below until you consult your physician-
-Protect the strained muscle from further injury.
-Rest the strained muscle. Avoid the activities that caused the strain and other activities that are painful.
-Ice the muscle area (20 minutes every hour while awake). Ice is a very effective anti-inflammatory and pain-reliever. Local application of small ice packs will help.
-Compression can be gently applied with an elastic bandage, which can both provide support and decrease swelling. Do not wrap tightly.
-Take analgesic- Tab.Ibuprofen 400mg thrice a day after food for one week.This is available over the counter.
Please consult your doctor if the symptoms are increasing or not susbsiding despite these measures.
Get well soon.
Feel free to revert for further queries.
Regards
Dr.Praveen
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
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
