What are the common causes of pain below the ribs. How can you identify the underlying condition causing discomfort under the rib cage. When should you seek medical attention for pain below the ribs. What are the most effective treatments for managing pain in the lower chest area.

Understanding Pain Below the Ribs: An Overview

Pain below the ribs is a common complaint that can stem from various causes, ranging from minor issues to serious medical conditions. This discomfort, which can be felt in the lower chest or upper abdominal area, may be sharp, dull, persistent, or intermittent. Understanding the nature of this pain and its potential causes is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The area below the ribs houses several vital organs, including the lungs, diaphragm, stomach, intestines, and gallbladder. Any condition affecting these organs can potentially cause pain in this region. Additionally, musculoskeletal issues or referred pain from other parts of the body can also manifest as discomfort below the ribs.

Common Causes of Pain Below the Ribs

There are numerous potential causes for pain below the ribs. Some of the most frequent include:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Indigestion
• Gallbladder disease
• Constipation
• Pneumonia
• Stomach ulcers
• Gastritis
• Costochondritis
• Muscle strain
• Pancreatitis

Each of these conditions has its own set of symptoms and characteristics that can help in identification and diagnosis.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus. This can cause a burning sensation in the chest, known as heartburn, which may extend to the area below the ribs. People with GERD often experience worse symptoms after eating or when lying down.

Indigestion

Also known as dyspepsia, indigestion can cause discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, often below the ribs. It’s typically accompanied by bloating, nausea, and a feeling of fullness. Indigestion can be caused by eating too quickly, consuming fatty or spicy foods, or drinking alcohol or carbonated beverages.

Gallbladder Disease

Problems with the gallbladder, such as gallstones or inflammation, can cause pain in the upper right abdomen, just below the ribs. This pain may radiate to the back or right shoulder and is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Differentiating Between Various Types of Pain

The characteristics of the pain can provide valuable clues about its underlying cause. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Location: Is the pain on the right side, left side, or center?
• Quality: Is it sharp, dull, burning, or cramping?
• Duration: Is it constant or does it come and go?
• Aggravating factors: Does the pain worsen with eating, breathing, or movement?
• Associated symptoms: Are there other symptoms like fever, nausea, or shortness of breath?

For example, a sharp pain on the right side that worsens after eating fatty foods might suggest gallbladder issues, while a burning pain in the center that worsens when lying down could indicate GERD.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While some causes of pain below the ribs are relatively benign, others can be serious or even life-threatening. It’s important to know when to seek medical attention. Consider consulting a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Severe or persistent pain
• Pain accompanied by fever, chills, or night sweats
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood in stool or vomit
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

These symptoms could indicate more serious conditions such as pneumonia, heart problems, or liver disease, which require prompt medical evaluation.

Diagnostic Approaches for Pain Below the Ribs

When you consult a healthcare provider for pain below the ribs, they will likely use a combination of methods to diagnose the underlying cause. These may include:

1. Medical history: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, their duration, and any factors that worsen or alleviate the pain.
2. Physical examination: This may involve palpating the affected area to check for tenderness or swelling.
3. Blood tests: These can help identify infections, inflammation, or organ dysfunction.
4. Imaging studies: X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs may be used to visualize the organs and structures in the affected area.
5. Endoscopy: In some cases, a camera may be inserted into the digestive tract to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper intestines.

The specific tests ordered will depend on the suspected cause of your pain and may be tailored based on your individual symptoms and medical history.

Treatment Options for Pain Below the Ribs

The treatment for pain below the ribs varies depending on the underlying cause. Here are some common approaches:

Medication

Depending on the diagnosis, your doctor may prescribe:

• Antacids or proton pump inhibitors for GERD or indigestion
• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Pain relievers for various conditions
• Anti-inflammatory drugs for conditions like costochondritis

Lifestyle Changes

Many conditions causing pain below the ribs can be managed or improved with lifestyle modifications such as:

• Dietary changes (e.g., avoiding trigger foods for GERD)
• Weight loss if overweight or obese
• Stress reduction techniques
• Regular exercise
• Quitting smoking

Surgical Interventions

In some cases, surgery may be necessary. For example:

• Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) for severe gallbladder disease
• Fundoplication for severe GERD that doesn’t respond to other treatments

Prevention Strategies for Pain Below the Ribs

While not all causes of pain below the ribs are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight and support digestive health
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption
• Practice good posture to prevent musculoskeletal issues

By adopting these healthy habits, you can potentially reduce your risk of developing conditions that cause pain below the ribs.

Living with Chronic Pain Below the Ribs

For some individuals, pain below the ribs may be a chronic condition. In such cases, learning to manage the pain and improve quality of life becomes crucial. Here are some strategies that can help:

• Pain management techniques: This may include physical therapy, acupuncture, or cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Support groups: Connecting with others who have similar conditions can provide emotional support and practical tips.
• Regular medical follow-ups: Consistent monitoring by healthcare professionals can help manage symptoms and adjust treatment as needed.
• Complementary therapies: Some people find relief through practices like yoga, meditation, or massage therapy.

Remember, everyone’s experience with chronic pain is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a personalized management plan.

Understanding pain below the ribs, its potential causes, and treatment options is crucial for managing this common complaint effectively. While some causes may be minor and easily treatable, others can be more serious and require prompt medical attention. By staying informed and proactive about your health, you can better navigate the complexities of pain below the ribs and work towards optimal well-being.

10 Causes for Pain Below the Ribs & Treatment Options

1. Chest & Lungs

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2. Pain Below the Ribs

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Pain below your ribs can be caused by your GI tract, like GERD, indigestion, gallbladder disease, or constipation, or problems with your lungs, like pneumonia. You may also have nausea, bloating, chest pain, coughing, or pain that’s worse when you breathe in.

Written by

Chandra Manuelpillai, MD.

Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine

Last updated May 29, 2023

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Causes

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Emergency symptoms

Treatment

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Written by

Chandra Manuelpillai, MD.

Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine

Last updated May 29, 2023

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7 most common causes

Stomach Ulcer

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Dyspepsia

Constipation

Pneumonia

Gastritis

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Pain below the ribs can be caused by a variety of factors, including medical conditions related to the abdominal organs like gastritis or inflammation of the pancreas, musculoskeletal problems like muscle strain or costochondritis, or even referred pain from other organs like the heart, spleen, or kidneys.

Read about the 9 most common causes for pain below the ribs

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of your pain below the ribs. They may perform a physical examination, order diagnostic tests such as imaging studies or blood tests, and develop a treatment plan based on the specific cause of your pain.

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Pain below the ribs can have many potential causes, some of which are emergency situations. If you are experiencing severe and sudden pain with other symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. If the pain is mild and persistent, it is less likely an emergency, but should still be evaluated to determine the potential cause. Read more

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If you are experiencing pain below the ribs, it’s a good idea to see a medical provider for an evaluation, especially if the pain is severe or persistent, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms. In some cases, pain below the ribs can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a heart attack or pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs), so it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.

A medical provider can perform a physical exam, order any necessary tests or imaging studies, and provide a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If you are experiencing severe or persistent pain below the ribs, seek medical attention right away.

Take the quiz below to help determine your timeline for seeking care.

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Pain below the ribs can be caused by various conditions and it’s important to first identify the underlying cause before attempting to treat the pain. However, there are some common strategies that may help relieve your pain, from over-the-counter medications and light stretching, to breathing exercises and lifestyle changes. If the pain persists or worsens, you should seek medical attention from a healthcare professional.

Read more about treatments for pain below the ribs

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What causes pain below the ribs?

Pain below the rib cage may be caused by organs in the chest cavity (which are protected by your ribs) or ones just below it. These include the lungs, diaphragm, intestines, stomach, and gallbladder.

Pain below the ribs can feel dull or sharp. The pain may go away quickly or be ongoing. Depending on what’s causing the pain, you may only feel discomfort on one side of the body.

The conditions that cause pain below the ribs usually cause other symptoms as well. These symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, bloating, chest pain, coughing, back pain, or pain that gets worse when you inhale.

Some conditions that cause pain below the ribs, such as a pulmonary embolism, can be life-threatening and require emergency treatment.

If you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or have upper abdominal pain that radiates to the jaw, neck, or arm, call 911.

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Causes

1. Constipation

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Hardened stool that’s difficult to pass
• Less frequent bowel movements (generally, fewer than three a week)

Constipation occurs when bowel movements become harder, more difficult to pass, and/or happen less frequently than normal. It’s common to get constipation for short periods of time. However, for some people, constipation can be a chronic problem.

Constipation is usually caused by a low-fiber diet, not drinking enough water, and lack of exercise.

How you treat constipation depends on what caused it.

• Eat more foods rich in fiber (such as fruit and vegetables)
• You may need to take a fiber supplement
• Drink more water
• Get more exercise
• Set up a “bowel routine” by trying to have a bowel movement at the same time each day

2. Indigestion

Symptoms

• Pain in the upper abdomen, including below the ribs
• Feeling full during a meal
• Feeling uncomfortably full after a meal
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Heartburn

Indigestion (dyspepsia) is often caused by your eating habits. It can occur if you eat too much or too quickly, eat greasy or spicy food, or drink too much caffeine, alcohol, or carbonated drinks.

Smoking and anxiety can also cause indigestion. Certain medications (antibiotics, pain relievers) and vitamin and mineral supplements can also trigger this condition.

How you treat your indigestion depends on what caused it. If you follow these tips for two weeks and don’t notice any improvement, see your doctor to rule out more serious conditions.

• You may need to eat smaller, lighter meals and eat them more slowly.
• Avoid spicy and greasy foods, caffeinated and carbonated drinks, and alcohol, as these can irritate your stomach.
• Quit smoking.
• Try to manage stress with techniques such as meditation.
• If you think that a medication is causing indigestion, talk to your doctor about taking a different drug that may be easier on your stomach.

Pro Tip

Some patients think the longer they have symptoms, the worse it must be. While any time you have symptoms lasting more than 2 weeks you should discuss it with your doctor, it does not necessarily mean your symptoms are more life threatening. —Dr. Chandra Manuelpillai

3. GERD

Symptoms

• Heartburn
• Regurgitation of acidic/sour material
• Chest pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sore throat
• Hoarse voice

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is when acid in the stomach travels back up the esophagus and causes symptoms. It is a very common disorder and reported in up to 28% of the population in North America.

Everyone has some amount of reflux but it usually does not cause bothersome symptoms. There is a muscle in between the esophagus and stomach, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), that helps to prevent food or acid from going back up. When the LES is weakened, acid can travel up the esophagus more easily and cause symptoms.

Treatment can include lifestyle modifications, over the counter medications for milder symptoms, or prescription medications for more severe symptoms. Lifestyle modifications include changing what you eat, like fatty or spicy food, and avoiding triggers that worsen your reflux symptoms. Weight loss and not smoking are also important lifestyle modifications.

OTC medications include antacids like Tums or Milk of Magnesia or Pepto-Bismol. Prescription medications include histamine 2 receptor antagonists (h3RA) or proton pump inhibitors (PPI). These medications decrease the amount of acid produced in the stomach, which helps to decrease symptoms. PPIs are prescribed for more severe symptoms.

4. Ulcer

Symptoms

• Pain in the upper abdomen, including below the ribs
• Bloating
• Inability to tolerate fatty foods
• Heartburn
• Nausea

An ulcer is a sore that develops in the stomach (peptic ulcer) or small intestine (duodenal ulcer). The sores form when the acids that help digest your food eat away at the lining of either organ.

Some ulcers develop due to a chronic infection of H. pylori, a type of bacteria. It’s not known how H. pylori infections spread, but it may happen through close contact (such as kissing), water, or food.

Other ulcers are caused by regularly using certain medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (Advil, Aleve, indomethacin) are the most common culprits.

Treatment depends on what caused your ulcer. If it’s due to H. pylori, you’ll be prescribed antibiotics. If a medication you take caused your ulcer, your doctor will likely lower your dose or switch you to a different medication. They may also recommend medications that block or reduce the amount of acid your body produces.

5. Gastritis

Symptoms

• Pain in your upper abdomen that may get better or worse when you eat
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• A feeling of fullness in your upper abdomen after eating

Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of your stomach. It may occur suddenly (acute gastritis) or gradually (chronic gastritis).

The causes of gastritis are the same as those of ulcers: H. pylori infection or regular use of certain medications. Drinking too much alcohol can also cause gastritis.

Treatment is similar to that of ulcers. If your gastritis was caused by drinking alcohol, you may need to cut down on or stop drinking.

6. Pneumonia

Symptoms

• Difficulty breathing that may worsen when you’re active
• Sharp chest pain that is worse when inhaling and coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Fever and chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs. It is caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Pneumonia may be mild or life-threatening. It is most serious in infants, young children, people older than age 65, and people who have a weak immune system.

If you think you have pneumonia, see your doctor.

Treatment depends on the type of pneumonia you have. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial pneumonia but not viral pneumonia. Your doctor may also recommend treating your symptoms with cough medicine and fever and pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Bacterial infections often improve within a few days of starting antibiotics. However, it may take weeks or months to fully recover from both bacterial and viral pneumonia.

7. Gallbladder disease

Symptoms

• Pain in the right upper abdomen
• Pain that worsens when you breathe in, press on the right side of your upper abdomen, and after you eat fatty foods
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Fever and/or chills
• Yellowing of skin and whites of eyes
• Dark urine
• Clay-colored stools

Conditions that affect the gallbladder cause pain under the ribs on your right side because that is where the gallbladder is located. The gallbladder stores bile, which is necessary for digestion.

Gallstones are a common cause of gallbladder pain. These stones may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. You may develop just one gallstone or several at the same time.

It isn’t clear why gallstones occur. It may be that your gallbladder has a problem releasing bile. Or your bile may contain too much cholesterol or a chemical called bilirubin.

Sometimes gallstones don’t cause any symptoms. Sometimes, when the gallstones are blocking your gallbladder from releasing bile, they cause pain in the right upper belly right under the ribs. You may also have nausea or vomiting. It is often worse after eating.

If the gallstone remains stuck, you may develop an infection called cholecystitis. This causes inflammation of the gallbladder. If cholecystitis is untreated, it can cause life-threatening problems such as gallbladder rupture and severe infections.

The treatment of gallstones depends on how severe your symptoms are and how often they occur. If the pain is mild and occurs only occasionally, treatment may be as simple as taking pain medication and avoiding fatty foods.

If you get symptoms often or your symptoms are severe, you may need to have surgery to remove your gallbladder. If your gallbladder becomes infected, you will need to be admitted to the hospital for antibiotics, IV fluids, and pain medications. You’ll likely have to have your gallbladder removed as well.

Pro Tip

The ribs are a very important structure in our body. They protect multiple of our vital organs including those in our chest wall, such as the heart and lungs, as well as those in the upper abdomen including the diaphragm, stomach, liver, gallbladder, and spleen. —Dr. Manuelpillai

8. Splenic or hepatic flexure syndrome

Symptoms

• Sharp pain or cramps under the left or right side of the ribs
• Pain that worsens when inhaling
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Increased gas
• Belching

Splenic and hepatic flexure syndromes are caused by trapped gas or stool in your intestines. Flexures are areas of the intestine that make sharp turns.

Splenic flexure syndrome occurs when gas or stool become trapped in the splenic flexure. This is in the upper left part of your abdomen (over your spleen). In hepatic flexure syndrome, the gas or stool is trapped in the hepatic flexure (over the liver). This is located in the upper right part of your abdomen.

Splenic and hepatic flexure syndrome are not dangerous, but they can be extremely painful.

They can be treated with over-the-counter pain and gas-relief medications. Constipation can be treated with laxatives if necessary. Stretching that affects the abdomen, like certain yoga poses, may also help you release the gas. The best way to prevent them is to avoid gas-producing foods such as beans, broccoli, and dairy products.

9. Side stitch

Symptoms

• Sharp and/or crampy abdominal pain, usually on the left or right side

Side stitches usually occur when you’re exerting yourself, such as when you run.

The cause of side stitches is unknown. Experts think it may be related to not drinking enough, drinking sugary drinks, or eating too much or too soon before you exercise. You may also experience a side stitch if your abdomen and/or diaphragm are irritated.

You can relieve the pain of side stitches by resting, stretching, and drinking water.

10. Pulmonary embolism

Symptoms

• Difficulty breathing that may worsen when you’re active
• Chest pain
• Coughing that may produce blood
• Fast heartbeat

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot in a blood vessel in the lungs. PE blocks blood flow to your lungs and lowers the level of oxygen in your blood. The lungs may become damaged.

These clots usually don’t form in the lungs. Instead, they develop in the lower leg, then break off and travel through your blood vessels to your lungs. Blood clots in the leg are called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). People with DVT may also have leg pain and swelling.

PE and DVT are life-threatening conditions. If you have symptoms, you should call 911 or go to the ER immediately.

Treatment depends on the severity of the clot. A large, life-threatening clot may require surgery or clot-dissolving medications called thrombolytics. Less dangerous clots can be broken up by your body with the help of blood-thinning medications called anticoagulants.

Other possible causes

There are other conditions that may also cause pain below the ribs, but it is usually not one of the main symptoms:

• Heart attack (pain is usually in the chest but may be in upper abdomen)
• Kidney stones
• Appendicitis

When to call the doctor

• Symptoms don’t improve after 1 week

Dr. Rx

The more details you include, the easier it is to determine the cause of your symptoms. So make sure you include the location of your pain and if it seems to move or radiate to another location, pain description (sharp, dull, burning, pressure, etc), how long it lasts, when it occurs (after eating, with exertion, etc), if anything makes it better or worse, and any associated symptoms. —Dr. Manuelpillai

Should I go to the ER for pain below the ribs?

You should go to the ER if you have the following:

• Sudden severe abdominal pain
• Uncontrolled vomiting
• Unable to eat or drink
• Vomiting blood or a substance that looks like ground coffee
• Coughing up blood
• Bloody or black diarrhea
• Dizziness or confusion
• Blue lips or nail beds
• Heart palpitations
• Chest pain
• Upper abdominal pain that radiates to the jaw, neck, or arm
• Upper abdominal pain with dizziness, sweating, chest pain, or difficulty breathing
• Fever with yellowing of the skin and whites of eyes

Treatments

At-home care

• If the pain is from a digestive issue like indigestion, over-the-counter antacids and other acid blockers can help.
• If the pain is from constipation, lifestyle changes like eating more fiber, drinking more water, and exercising can help. Use of over-the-counter stool softeners can provide additional relief.
• Avoid certain foods that are likely to cause gas and/or irritate your stomach, such as fatty and spicy foods.
• Limit your use of medications that can lead to ulcers (if that’s not possible, ask your doctor if you can switch to a different medication).
• Gentle stretching or light exercise may help to alleviate pain and reduce muscle tension. However, be sure to avoid any activities that may exacerbate the pain.
• Apply heat or ice: Depending on the cause of the pain, applying heat or ice to the affected area may help to reduce pain and inflammation. You can use a heating pad, warm towel, or ice pack for 10-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• Practice deep breathing: Taking slow, deep breaths can help to relax the muscles in the area and may help to alleviate pain.

Chandra Manuelpillai, MD.

Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine

Dr. Manuelpillai is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician. She received her undergraduate degree in Health Science Studies from Quinnipiac University (2002). She then went on to graduated from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Sciences/The Chicago Medical School (2007) where she served on the Executive Student Council, as well as was the alternate delegate to the AMA/ISMS-MSS G…

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Costochondritis – my experiencePosted October 26, 2021 by K.

I am a healthy 52f, always been very active. About a month ago I found myself getting very tired, not much energy, more frequent headaches. That increased to needing to stay in bed most of the day with low energy, being nauseated with headaches/migraines. A week ago around 4am, I started feeling a huge sense of “unwell.” I checked my HR—it was 39. Got up and took BP, was 145/92 (my norm is 120/75). Called husband, who is medical, and he manually took it, it was a little higher. Drove me to ER. BP was 185/115, HR 44. They ran head CT, was clear, blood tests were good. I did not have a stroke. They gave me some meds in ER. After 5 hours in ER BP was better. I went home, went straight to bed. Returned to ER with a migraine pain of 10/10, with severe nausea and dry heaving. They ran more labs, gave me medicine around 2am. The next day I felt small occasional chest pain/ pressure. Assumed soreness from dry heaving or side effect from medicine from ER. I took it very easy the next day with pressure/pain increasing. 3 days after 1st ER visit, I went back to the ER that has a good cardiac dpt. Symptoms of severe chest pain, dull back pain between shoulder blades, lightheaded, extreme shortness of breath, could not walk a few feet without having to stop to catch my breath or sit down. These continued to worsen with time. I had 3 types of chest pain. 1) mild (a pain of 3-4)—constant pressure, squeezing a circle around sternum. 2) moderate-high (pain 6-7)—a wave or contraction like feeling of the chest sternum high. 3) high (pain of 8 and up)—the same wave of pain but accompanied with a flush of heat (similar to IV iodine) that made me sweat and clammy instantly. The pains only last about 30 seconds. Those would make the 12 lead EKG monitor always beep. I had so many tests done. All came back good. After being monitored in the hospital for about 50 hours on 12 lead, I was bradycardia at times, and my respiratory rate constantly would jump all over on monitor from 0-30 (usually under 10) they told me costochondritis. Said it could be caused from a virus, an ulcer, side effect from Covid vaccine (had 2nd shot 4 weeks prior) and unknown. I was still very symptomatic, but because we knew it was not heart, lung, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and kidneys—but muscular-skeletal—I could go home. My symptoms—still chest pain, pulse increases at least by 50 just by standing, shortness of breath, dizzy and lightheaded. My treatment—rest, stay well-hydrated, take omeprazole in morning and amitriptyline each night , and I am to follow up with primary, a neurologist, and have a sleep study done.

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Developed costochondritisPosted January 26, 2021 by J.

I am a 27yr female, and developed costochondritis while caring for my elderly grandparents in the last months of their lives. I was always lifting them in their wheelchair or up off the floor, which was too heavy for me, and usually in difficult angles. They passed 3 months ago and I still experience pain, though not as severe as when I was constantly aggravating it. I had severe pain when lifting, coughing, and stretching, as well as shortness of breath due to the pain for about 3 weeks after lifting my grandfather out of the tub where he had fallen. I was diagnosed by my primary doctor and told to wear a tight bra in lieu of a chest brace until it improves.

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Probable diagnosisPosted February 10, 2020 by A.

I am a 25 year old female who started having stabbing chest pain above my left breast that gradually aggravates my left shoulder muscles throughout the day. To me, this diagnosis seems the most accurate since I have been exercising more than I usually do plus lifting a 35+ pound baby almost everyday. So far, Ibuprofen seems to help and lessening my activity level also helps. It has been almost two weeks since this has been occurring and hopefully with meds and rest it will disappear entirely. Thanks for the info! 🙂

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Middle chest pain: possible causes, treatment

Doctors call the phenomenon when a person has pain in the chest in the middle, thoracalgia. There can be a lot of reasons for the appearance of pain syndrome, from the most harmless to quite serious pathologies. In order not to miss an important “alarm bell” from your body, it is best to contact a neurologist , who will examine you and determine why your chest began to hurt.

Middle chest pain: causes

There can be many reasons why pain appeared in the middle of the chest, so it is worth considering the intensity of the pain syndrome, its frequency and the specific localization of pain. By doing this, it will be possible to narrow the search for pathology leading to unpleasant sensations.

Heart pathologies

Pain in the chest is often associated with diseases of the cardiovascular system, the heart. If you feel thoracic all the time, this may indicate an aortic aneurysm. In this case, the pain in the left or right side of the chest is felt for a long time, and it will become stronger every time the person moves from rest to physical activity. The condition is treated exclusively surgically, so hospitalization will be required to confirm this diagnosis. Pain in the center of the chest in front can also appear if a pulmonary embolism develops. The pain syndrome becomes stronger on inspiration, and taking analgesics allows you to suppress it. Compressive pain may indicate that a person has angina pectoris, and pain can also be a symptom of myocardial infarction.

Respiratory damage

If there is pain in the front in the center of the chest, and at the same time you feel interruptions in breathing, you cannot breathe deeply, cough and shortness of breath appear, the problem may be the occurrence of pulmonary diseases, which include tracheitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, pleurisy and some others. The same symptoms can occur with diseases of the diaphragm.

Injuries

Pain in front of the chest, in the middle, or between the ribs may occur in a person who has survived an accident, has been involved in a fight, or has damaged chest structures from a fall or blow. Such pains intensify when he tries to turn around, bend down, take a deep breath, and are explained by the fact that blood vessels rupture, the periosteum is damaged, cracks and fractures form. In such a situation, at rest, the pain syndrome can disappear almost completely, which gives a person a false confidence that there is no need to consult a doctor.

Diseases of the spine

The most common reason why the chest hurts in the middle is osteochondrosis, if we talk about the pathologies of the spinal column. Pain in osteochondrosis can be constant or manifest in the form of seizures. The pain will be the same in intensity and manifestation with radiculopathy in the thoracic spine. Also, pain syndrome can indicate an intervertebral hernia and congenital anomalies in the structure of the spinal column.

Neurological diseases

Causes of pain in the chest in the middle can be neuralgic in nature. The most common diagnosis in this case is intercostal neuralgia, in which it is very painful in the sternum, it radiates to the back under the shoulder blade, which makes it easy for a person to confuse pain with heart pain.

Esophageal problems

Pain in the shoulder blades and in the middle of the chest may be associated with pathologies of the esophagus. The reason in this case is, as a rule, a spasm, which manifests itself more often in the morning or after eating. Pain in the chest area is relieved by taking antispasmodic drugs. Often spasms of the esophagus are accompanied by spasm of the muscular walls of the stomach.

How to relieve pain. First Aid

Often a person who has pain in the middle of the chest does not know what to do in such a situation. Some people are in so much pain that they faint. At the same time, a strong fright is observed, the pulse rate increases, the skin turns pale. The first thing to do if suddenly a person has severe pain in the sternum, internal organs and spine:

Also, if a person has pain in the middle of the chest, it is best to ask everyone present to leave the room and ensure complete rest for the patient until the ambulance arrives.

Diagnostics

The first thing the doctor will do is to interview and examine the patient, which will narrow the search for pathology by concomitant symptoms. After that, various diagnostic procedures can be prescribed to determine the cause of the pain syndrome. 9 may be useful0003 magnetic resonance or computed tomography , x-ray , ultrasound , blood tests, etc. This will determine why there are pains in the middle of the chest that radiate to the back, upper limbs or ribs.

Which doctor to contact

If you are able to visit the clinic on your own, you can make an appointment with the general practitioner . He will determine the approximate cause of the pain syndrome and the direction of further search, as well as give you directions for diagnostic procedures and, if necessary, to specialized specialists. In the event that there is a sharp pain in the chest in the middle, it is difficult and difficult to move, it is impossible to get out of bed without pain, call an ambulance. After the examination at home, the specialist will provide first aid and determine whether you need to be taken to the hospital.

You can make an appointment with specialists online , as well as by phone 8 (812) 901-03-03.

Musculoskeletal chest pain

Musculoskeletal chest pain is characterized by symptoms similar to those of heart disease. Therefore, for its diagnosis, a comprehensive examination is required, while the possibility of an erroneous diagnosis is not excluded. Common chest pains include sternoclavicular pain, pain at the angle of the sternum (between the manubrium and the body of the sternum), chest muscle syndrome, and pain in the pectoralis major muscle. If chest pain occurs, it is necessary to examine the musculoskeletal system, since the cause of such pain most often lies there. This can be checked by palpation of the muscles and joints around the area where the pain is felt. For pain in the sternoclavicular joint or the handle of the sternum, move the shoulder to a neutral position and fix the joint. Pain occurs if you move your shoulder forward or backward, or turn your arm to the maximum. In addition, pain will occur if the shoulders are lowered or the sternoclavicular joints are brought together. Pain also occurs when lifting the shoulders, as this raises the handle of the sternum. Unlike joint pain, muscle pain does not increase if the chest wall or shoulders move. Pain on pressure in the sternum muscle is accompanied by pain on pressure in the pectoralis major muscle or in the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Muscle-related chest pain is elicited by palpation of trigger points rather than by movement of the chest wall or arms. For chest pain, the pectoralis major, sternum, subclavian, latissimus dorsi, and serratus anterior muscles should be examined.

Pain in the sternoclavicular joint or chest muscle is sometimes mistaken for a symptom of heart disease. To exclude the possibility that this pain is associated with coronary heart disease, it is necessary to conduct an ECG, echocardiography, if necessary, daily Holter monitoring, and a consultation with a cardiologist.

Pain relievers or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may be used to treat chest pain. It should be remembered that most of the indicated symptoms indicate disorders in the cervical spinal nerve. In this case, a simpler and more acceptable method of treatment is peripheral magnetic stimulation of the cervical and thoracic vertebrae, paravertebral drug blockades, carboxytherapy, Multimag, German ZIMMER physiotherapy, MASTER PULS shock wave therapy, etc.

Diagnosis and treatment of chest pain in Samara is carried out in the pain treatment center at the clinic PERVAYA NEUROLOGY

Our specialists will select drugs for the treatment of chest pain, prescribe an effective physiotherapy treatment.

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