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Does Severe Rib Cage Pain Indicate Muscle Strain Or Shingles?

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Posted on Mon, 9 Oct 2017
Question: Suffering from intense pain whole right rib cage area, have slight rash. Am 68 y/0 female, relatively healthy. Had a deep tissue massage 5 days ago, some soreness in that area right afterwards, but it's getting much worse. Have also been doing some heavy duty yard work and swinging a golf club. Now have 3-4 angry looking blisters same area. Pain feels like a huge gas bubble throughout my whole rib cage, right side only. Saw local doctor briefly 2 days ago, with discussion of treating for muscle strain vs. shingles (yes, I had the vaccine 4 years ago). Was already taking ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours, ice packs alternating w/heating pad. CanNOT get comfortable, night worse than during the day. How should the diagnosis be made? No lab work was done, no radiology. I'm miserable.
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Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Shingles most likely if there is visible rash

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Though you are vaccinated it does not prevent the eruption of shingles in 100% cases.
With the appearance of rash looking like blisters and intense pain it looks to be shingles. The doctor should have given you Acyclovir / Antiherpes drugs immediately.
I also give my patients a neuropathic pain killer like Gabapentin and calamine lotion along with Ibuprofen.
I think you better see a Dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis of shingles. It is a clinical diagnosis and no need of lab work or radiology.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. V. N. S. Parinam

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 1727 Questions

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Does Severe Rib Cage Pain Indicate Muscle Strain Or Shingles?

Brief Answer: Shingles most likely if there is visible rash Detailed Answer: Hi, Though you are vaccinated it does not prevent the eruption of shingles in 100% cases. With the appearance of rash looking like blisters and intense pain it looks to be shingles. The doctor should have given you Acyclovir / Antiherpes drugs immediately. I also give my patients a neuropathic pain killer like Gabapentin and calamine lotion along with Ibuprofen. I think you better see a Dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis of shingles. It is a clinical diagnosis and no need of lab work or radiology.