HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes A Small Bulge With Slight Discomfort Below The Rib Cage?

default
Posted on Sat, 9 Jul 2016
Question: What could be causing a small bulge with slight discomfort right below my rib cage on the right side? It seems almost like "referred pain" from sciatica pain in my right lower back -- possible?
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Can not be a sciatica pain .

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: Female/76 - small bulge with slight discomfort - below the rib cage on right side - feels like referred pain as in sciatica in right lower back ... wants to know whether this is possible...

Well, sciatica pain is always from the buttocks down to the legs and feet. Hence sciatica pain is not possible. Sciatica pain is very severe too.
The bulge and discomfort you have explained can be due to the following factors:
Costocondritis, that is inflammation of the lowest rib and the muscles related to it.
There can be a cyst or so with mild inflammation.
If this would have been a referred pain due to spinal problem in the thoracic region, there would have been a pain encircling from the back to the front.

You may please get this confirmed by a clinical examination by a General Surgeon and ultrasound of the local area if the cyst or a mass is suspected.

I hope this answers your query.
Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (6 minutes later)
Is there any reason to limit activity until this can be addressed by a local doctor? I have an appointment in two weeks with my regular primary care physician.
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Reason: activities will increase inflammation.

Detailed Answer:
The limit has to be only on the activity that strains this area under consideration.
You can certainly try an anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen if it suits you, local hot fomentation.
Stress and anxiety can increase the pain if this is costochondritis as are the activities that put a direct strain on this area. Hence limit these.
See the results.
If there is no improvement and as your appointment is in 2 weeks you may consult a Doctor in ER. (Emergency Room) or a walk in clinic. Why to wait then for 2 weeks allowing the inflammation to continue on.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (5 minutes later)
Thank you. I think I'll call my primary care doctor for his instructions. I appreciate your help!
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Thanks for your appreciation

Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome.

...
You may please rate this answer before closure of the discussion and can certainly contact me on the bellow link in future, whenever you may need me.
http://bit.ly/askdrtchandrakant
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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. T Chandrakant

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 19780 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes A Small Bulge With Slight Discomfort Below The Rib Cage?

Brief Answer: Can not be a sciatica pain . Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for your query. To recapitulate: Female/76 - small bulge with slight discomfort - below the rib cage on right side - feels like referred pain as in sciatica in right lower back ... wants to know whether this is possible... Well, sciatica pain is always from the buttocks down to the legs and feet. Hence sciatica pain is not possible. Sciatica pain is very severe too. The bulge and discomfort you have explained can be due to the following factors: Costocondritis, that is inflammation of the lowest rib and the muscles related to it. There can be a cyst or so with mild inflammation. If this would have been a referred pain due to spinal problem in the thoracic region, there would have been a pain encircling from the back to the front. You may please get this confirmed by a clinical examination by a General Surgeon and ultrasound of the local area if the cyst or a mass is suspected. I hope this answers your query. Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.