I have protrusions in lumbar 3,4,5. They say they are not bad enough for surgery. I have pains in my rib cage now, and they have been getting worse as the weeks goes on. I have to stop, and take short breaths and wait till they quit. I thought they were from the protrusions, but ive had xrays,upper and lower mri s, No one can seem to figure out why these are going on? Any suggestions... Thank you...