What are the common causes of rib cage pain. How can you differentiate between various types of rib pain. When should you seek medical attention for pain in the rib area. What treatments are available for different causes of rib cage discomfort.

The Anatomy of the Rib Cage and Its Role in Body Protection

The rib cage is a crucial skeletal structure that plays a vital role in protecting our internal organs. Comprised of 12 pairs of ribs, it forms a protective barrier around the heart, lungs, and other vital organs in the chest cavity. Understanding the anatomy of the rib cage is essential for identifying the source of pain and discomfort in this area.

The ribs are connected to the spine at the back and the sternum (breastbone) at the front, forming a flexible yet sturdy cage-like structure. This design allows for the expansion and contraction of the lungs during breathing while maintaining protection for the internal organs.

Types of Ribs

• True ribs (1-7): Directly attached to the sternum
• False ribs (8-10): Indirectly attached to the sternum via cartilage
• Floating ribs (11-12): Not attached to the sternum at all

The complexity of the rib cage structure means that pain in this area can have various origins, ranging from muscular issues to organ-related problems. Identifying the exact location and nature of the pain is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Common Causes of Rib Cage Pain: From Minor Injuries to Serious Conditions

Rib cage pain can result from a wide range of causes, some of which are relatively minor while others may indicate more serious underlying conditions. Understanding these potential causes can help in determining when to seek medical attention and what treatment options might be appropriate.

Musculoskeletal Causes

1. Costochondritis: Inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum
2. Muscle strain or sprain: Often due to overexertion or sudden movements
3. Rib fractures or bruises: Usually resulting from trauma or impact
4. Osteoporosis: Weakening of bones that can lead to spontaneous fractures

Respiratory Causes

1. Pleurisy: Inflammation of the lining of the lungs and chest cavity
2. Pneumonia: Infection causing inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs
3. Pulmonary embolism: Blood clot in the lungs

Cardiovascular Causes

1. Angina: Chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart
2. Pericarditis: Inflammation of the protective sac around the heart

Other Causes

1. Gallbladder issues: Can cause referred pain to the right rib area
2. Liver problems: May cause pain in the upper right abdomen and lower ribs
3. Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas that can cause rib pain

Identifying the underlying cause of rib cage pain is essential for proper treatment. While some causes may resolve on their own with rest and home care, others require immediate medical attention.

Costochondritis: A Common Culprit in Rib Cage Discomfort

Costochondritis is one of the most frequent causes of rib cage pain, particularly in the front of the chest. This condition involves inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum, resulting in localized pain and tenderness.

Symptoms of Costochondritis

• Sharp, aching, or pressure-like pain in the chest wall
• Pain that may worsen with deep breathing, coughing, or physical activity
• Tenderness when pressing on the affected area
• Pain that may radiate to the back or abdomen

Costochondritis often mimics the symptoms of more serious conditions, such as heart attacks, which is why proper diagnosis is crucial. Unlike heart-related issues, costochondritis pain typically worsens with movement and is reproducible by pressing on the affected area.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of costochondritis is often unknown, but several factors may contribute to its development:

• Physical strain or overuse of the chest muscles
• Chest injuries or trauma
• Viral or bacterial infections
• Certain medical conditions, such as fibromyalgia or arthritis

While costochondritis can affect anyone, it is more common in women and people over 40. Understanding the characteristics of this condition can help differentiate it from other potentially more serious causes of chest pain.

Diagnosing Rib Cage Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention

Determining when to seek medical attention for rib cage pain can be challenging, as the symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. However, certain signs and symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation.

Red Flags: When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

• Sudden, severe chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath
• Pain that radiates to the jaw, left arm, or back
• Chest pain accompanied by fever, chills, or coughing up blood
• Rib pain following a significant trauma or accident
• Pain that persists or worsens over time despite home care measures

These symptoms may indicate more serious conditions such as heart attacks, pulmonary embolisms, or severe infections, which require prompt medical attention.

Diagnostic Procedures

When evaluating rib cage pain, healthcare providers may employ various diagnostic tools and procedures:

1. Physical examination: Assessing the location and nature of the pain
2. Medical history review: Understanding potential risk factors and underlying conditions
3. Imaging studies:
   • X-rays: To identify fractures or bone abnormalities
   • CT scans: For more detailed imaging of bones and soft tissues
   • MRI: To evaluate soft tissue injuries or inflammation
4. Blood tests: To check for signs of infection or inflammation
5. Electrocardiogram (ECG): To rule out heart-related issues

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment plan and addressing any underlying conditions that may be causing the rib cage pain.

Treatment Options for Rib Cage Pain: From Home Remedies to Medical Interventions

The treatment of rib cage pain varies depending on the underlying cause. While some conditions may resolve with conservative home care, others may require medical intervention. Understanding the range of treatment options can help in managing rib cage pain effectively.

Home Care and Self-Management Techniques

• Rest and activity modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain
• Ice or heat therapy: Applying cold or warm compresses to reduce pain and inflammation
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Gentle stretching and breathing exercises: To maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness
• Posture improvement: Maintaining good posture to reduce strain on the rib cage

Medical Treatments

1. Prescription medications:
   • Stronger pain relievers or muscle relaxants for severe pain
   • Antibiotics for infections causing rib pain
2. Physical therapy: To improve strength, flexibility, and posture
3. Corticosteroid injections: For conditions like costochondritis to reduce inflammation
4. Surgical interventions: In rare cases, for severe injuries or persistent conditions

The choice of treatment depends on the specific diagnosis, severity of symptoms, and individual patient factors. A healthcare provider can develop a tailored treatment plan to address the underlying cause of the rib cage pain and provide symptom relief.

Prevention Strategies: Minimizing the Risk of Rib Cage Pain

While not all causes of rib cage pain are preventable, there are several strategies that can help reduce the risk of developing pain in this area. Implementing these preventive measures can contribute to overall rib cage health and minimize the likelihood of experiencing discomfort.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Maintaining good posture: Proper alignment reduces strain on the rib cage and surrounding muscles
• Regular exercise: Strengthening core and chest muscles to support the rib cage
• Gradual progression in physical activities: Avoiding sudden increases in intensity that could lead to strain
• Proper lifting techniques: Using leg muscles and avoiding twisting motions when lifting heavy objects
• Stress management: Reducing tension that can contribute to muscle tightness and pain

Safety Measures

1. Wearing protective gear during sports or high-risk activities
2. Using seatbelts and maintaining vehicle safety to prevent injuries in accidents
3. Creating a safe home environment to prevent falls and impacts

Health Maintenance

• Regular check-ups to monitor overall health and address potential risk factors
• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce strain on the body’s structures
• Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake for bone health, especially important in preventing osteoporosis-related fractures
• Quitting smoking, which can contribute to respiratory issues and weaken bones

By incorporating these preventive strategies into daily life, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of experiencing rib cage pain and maintain overall musculoskeletal health.

Differentiating Rib Cage Pain from Other Types of Chest Discomfort

Distinguishing rib cage pain from other types of chest discomfort is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. While some causes of rib pain are benign, others may indicate serious underlying conditions that require immediate medical attention. Understanding the characteristics of different types of chest pain can help in identifying the potential cause and determining the appropriate course of action.

Characteristics of Rib Cage Pain

• Localized pain that may worsen with movement or deep breathing
• Tenderness when pressing on the affected area
• Pain that may be sharp, dull, or aching in nature
• Discomfort that typically doesn’t radiate to other areas of the body

Characteristics of Cardiac-Related Chest Pain

• Pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the center of the chest
• Pain that may radiate to the jaw, left arm, or back
• Often accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, or lightheadedness
• May worsen with physical exertion or emotional stress

Characteristics of Lung-Related Chest Pain

• Sharp pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing
• May be accompanied by shortness of breath or fever
• Often associated with respiratory symptoms like coughing or wheezing

While these characteristics can provide general guidance, it’s important to note that symptoms can vary widely between individuals. When in doubt, especially if experiencing severe or concerning symptoms, seeking prompt medical evaluation is essential to rule out potentially life-threatening conditions.

Long-Term Management and Coping Strategies for Chronic Rib Cage Pain

For some individuals, rib cage pain may become a chronic condition requiring ongoing management. Developing effective long-term strategies is crucial for maintaining quality of life and minimizing the impact of persistent pain. A multifaceted approach often yields the best results in managing chronic rib cage discomfort.

Pain Management Techniques

1. Medications:
   • Long-acting pain relievers for consistent pain control
   • Topical analgesics for localized relief
2. Physical therapy:
   • Customized exercise programs to improve strength and flexibility
   • Manual therapy techniques to address soft tissue restrictions
3. Alternative therapies:
   • Acupuncture for pain relief
   • Massage therapy to reduce muscle tension
   • Mindfulness and meditation for pain coping

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Ergonomic modifications at home and work to reduce strain
• Pacing activities to avoid overexertion
• Maintaining a healthy diet and weight to reduce inflammation and strain on the body
• Adequate sleep and stress management to support overall health and pain tolerance

Psychological Support

Chronic pain can have significant psychological impacts. Addressing the mental and emotional aspects of living with persistent rib cage pain is essential for comprehensive management:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy to develop coping strategies
• Support groups to connect with others experiencing similar challenges
• Regular mental health check-ins to address anxiety or depression related to chronic pain

Long-term management of chronic rib cage pain often requires a collaborative approach between the patient and healthcare providers. Regular follow-ups and adjustments to the management plan may be necessary to ensure optimal pain control and quality of life.

Ribcage pain Information | Mount Sinai

Pain – ribcage

Ribcage pain includes any pain or discomfort in the area of the ribs.

A rib.

Considerations

With a broken rib, the pain is worse when bending and twisting the body. This movement does not cause the pain in someone who has pleurisy (swelling of the lining of the lungs) or muscle spasms.

Causes

Ribcage pain may be caused by any of the following:

• Bruised, cracked, or fractured rib
• Inflammation of cartilage near the breastbone (costochondritis)
• Osteoporosis
• Pleurisy (the pain is worse when breathing deeply)

Home Care

Rest and not moving the area (immobilization) are the best cures for a rib fracture.

Follow your health care provider’s instructions for treating the cause of ribcage pain.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider for an appointment if you do not know the cause of the pain, or if it does not go away.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your provider may perform a physical examination. You’ll likely be asked about your symptoms, such as when the pain started, its location, the kind of pain you’re having, and what makes it worse.

Tests that may be ordered include:

• Bone scan (if there is a known history of cancer or it is highly suspected)
• Chest x-ray

Your provider may prescribe treatment for your ribcage pain. Treatment depends on the cause.

Jones H, Reynolds JH. Thoracic trauma and related topics. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, Gillard JH, Schaefer-Prokop CM, eds. Grainger & Allison’s Diagnostic Radiology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 10.

Tzelepis GE, Gartman EJ, McCool FD. The respiratory system and chest wall diseases. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel’s Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 98.

Last reviewed on: 2/2/2023

Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

10 Possible Reasons of Pain Under Right Rib Cage

December 13, 2022May 15, 2023

Many times when you feel pain, it is an indication that something is wrong. If you are having pain under right rib cage, you need to find out why it is occurring. The rib cage plays an important role for the body because it helps to protect the organs of your cardiovascular system like the heart and lungs. The pain you feel in this area can change from being mild to severe, depending on the cause of the pain.

Causes of Pain Under the Right Rib Cage

1. Injuries

An injury to the ribs is one of the most common reasons for feeling pain on the right side of your rib cage. You may not always realize you have injured your ribs and you may need to see your doctor to have an injury diagnosed. The ribs will usually heal by themselves, though treatment may be needed if you have a serious injury to the rib cage.

2. Gallstones

One of the main reasons for pain on the right side of the rib cage is gallstones due to where the gallbladder is located. You may not be aware of having gallstones until they grow large enough to block the passageway for urine. Trying to pass urine under these circumstances can be painful and the less urine that is released, the more painful it can be to urinate.

3. Kidney Stones

Kidney stones form from the debris found in urine. While small stones can be passed through your system when you urinate, larger stones can cause pain under right rib cage (or left) if they block the passage for urine. Fortunately, many kidney stones can be dissolved with medications, but if the stones are too large, you may need surgery to remove them.

4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Many people do not know what IBS is, but basically, it involves changes to the bowel. These changes may be the result of problems with the gut that can cause pain on the right side of the rib cage. The pain usually starts at the abdomen, but it can travel up the right side until it can be felt underneath the rib cage.

5. Too Much Gas

Overeating can make it difficult for your body to digest food and when you’re having problems with digestion, the stomach produces too much acid and gas. While gas can be trapped in any part of the digestive system, gas pains can be felt under the right side of the rib cage.

6. Fecal Impaction

This occurs because waste products in the colon do not pass through your system as they should. It isn’t uncommon if you are constipated to have some impaction. However, if fecal matter stays in your system for too long, it can cause other problems. Being constipated often causes pain under right rib cage due to the location of the intestines.

7. Costochondritis

This condition is caused by inflammation to the cartilage of the ribs that holds them to the breast bone. Costochondritis can occur on either side of your body and it can be very painful. There are many reasons for this condition, but most people think it happens because they have been injured by incorrectly doing a physical activity, such as lifting weights.

8. Acid Reflux and Ulcers

When your stomach has been empty for a long time or you feel a burning sensation in your throat, you may have acid reflux. When the stomach acids splash up into throat, you may sometimes feel pain in the right rib cage. Peptic ulcers, which affect the duodenum, located on the right side of the body, can cause pain there as well. Both acid reflux and ulcers should be treated by a doctor to keep them from causing further complications.

9. Liver Disorders

Conditions affecting the liver can cause pain under right rib cage as that is where the liver is located. Hepatitis, which is liver inflammation, enlarging of the liver, cirrhosis of the liver, fatty liver and damage to the liver caused by drugs, alcohol or toxins can all result in pain in the abdomen on the right side.

10. Appendicitis

If the appendix, which is a part of the small intestine, becomes infected, it can result in pain on the right side of your body. While the pain is usually located on the lower right side, the pain can radiate upwards beneath your rib cage. An infected or inflamed appendix should be treated immediately as the appendix can burst.

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What Can You Do to Treat It?

As pain under right rib cage is usually a symptom of a medical issue, a doctor needs to diagnose the cause of the pain in order totreat it correctly. The type of treatment used will depend on the cause of the pain. These treatments include:

1．Medications

Over-the-counter and prescription drugs, including pain killers, may be needed to help address a medical condition causing pain under right rib cage. If the ribs have been fractured, bruised or cracked, then your doctor may prescribe a medication to help reduce pain.

2．Rest

The best treatment for ribs that have been injured is to relax and rest as much as possible. Strenuous activity can further injure or cause damage to your ribs. Your doctor may bandage the ribs to help them heal.

3．Surgical Treatments

Depending on the reason for discomfort under right rib cage, surgery may be necessary. However, it is avoided if other treatments are available that can help resolve the medical problem. Even though having surgery is serious, the vast majority are successful now thanks to advances in medicine.

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Chest pain – prices for treatment in Voronezh

Chest pain: causes, diagnosis

A symptom of many diseases is chest pain. It can occur due to minor digestive problems and disappear on its own or report serious pathologies of the pulmonary, cardiac, vascular or spine. Patients with complaints that the chest hurts are sent for a consultation with a vertebroneurologist.

Causes

Chest pain can develop due to a variety of reasons. There are three main subgroups of pathologies against which unpleasant symptoms develop. The main ones include:

• injuries of the spinal column, back muscles or sudden lifting of heavy objects;
• insufficient motor and physical activity;
• long stay in a statistical position – on the legs or sitting.

The second includes diseases of one of the sections of the spinal column:

• osteoporosis, disc herniation;
• osteochondrosis, radiculitis of the thoracic, cervical region;
• periarthritis of the humeroscapular region, protrusion;
• various deformities – scoliosis, kyphosis, kyphoscoliosis;

The last subgroup of sources that can cause chest pain is represented by:

• pathologies of the gallbladder and gastrointestinal tract;
• intercostal neuralgia, heart disease;
• myositis, hypothermia, stretching of the ligamentous apparatus;
• bronchitis, pleurisy, thromboembolism;
• infectious diseases – influenza, tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, herpes zoster, epidemic myositis;
• pathologies of the mediastinum – the middle section of the spinal column;
• excessive physical activity with muscle strain;
• benign and malignant neoplasms;
• diseases of autoimmune etiology.

There is no need to wait for the pain syndrome to disappear on its own – many diseases are disguised as harmless symptoms. Delay in seeking medical attention may lead to a prolonged course of therapy.

Visit to the medical center

Pain in the chest area causes patients to fear that the problem is related to the work of the heart. Without a full diagnostic examination, it is impossible to say exactly which of the internal organs or tissues provokes discomfort.

Pain behind the sternum does not always report heart failure; to clarify the source of the problem, the patient is referred for a consultation with a therapist. The doctor makes a presumptive diagnosis and sends for an appointment with one of the specialized specialists:

• gastroenterologist;
• cardiologist;
• neurologist;
• oncologist;
• orthopedist;
• pulmonologist;
• traumatologist;
• phthisiatrician.

Diagnostics

If it hurts in the chest area, then the specialists of the clinic recommend undergoing a routine examination. Indications for a diagnostic study are:

• irregular, mild pain;
• the appearance of unpleasant sensations after stressful situations, physical exertion;
• cessation of pain after taking medications.

A patient with pain in the chest area should pay attention to the following manifestations:

• at the time of discomfort – at night or during the day;
• association of soreness with eating;
• attack duration;
• forced position, in which it is easiest to endure unpleasant sensations;
• which is better for pain suppression: analgesics or vasodilators.

The feeling that pain in the chest area should alert the patient and cause a visit to the medical center. Timely detected disease is easier to cure than to deal with its consequences.

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Why does my chest hurt? Medical centers Nikor-Med

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.

Cardiac pathologies

One of the most common causes of chest pain is the heart and the cardiovascular system. Much depends on the duration of sensations and their intensity. If thoracalgia is felt constantly, then it may be an aortic aneurysm. You will also feel pain attacks for a long time and it will gradually increase with physical activity. Compressive pain may indicate that a person has angina pectoris, and pain can also be a symptom of myocardial infarction.

Respiratory damage

Pain in the center of the chest may indicate the presence of lung disease. Also, shortness of breath, coughing, discomfort when inhaling the full group, and interruptions in breathing may occur. Pulmonary diseases include: tracheitis, pneumonia, neoplasms, bronchitis and others.

Injuries

Pain in front of the chest, in the middle, or between the ribs may occur in a person who has experienced 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, 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 cause of chest pain in the middle is osteochondrosis, if we talk about 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.

Problems with the esophagus

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.