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What Causes Intermittent Pain Under The Left Rib Cage?
Question: i have intermittent pain on left side near rib and under breast - pain is moderate - stabbing - feels better when I press on it - pain is on right side, not left side - started suddenly tonight and has lasted for past few hours jabbing every few minutes, then stopping
Brief Answer:
Chest strain / intercostal neuritis
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting the query.
From the symptoms that you have stated,it seems that you may be suffering from a chest muscle strain or intercostal neuritis.
Chest strain causes inflammation of the skeletal muscles in the chest area causing pain and tenderness.
Intercostal neuritis is a condition in which the intercostal nerves are inflammed causing stabbing pain.
I would suggest you to use a rib belt around the painful area.It should be worn all throughout the day and also in the night.
Application of local analgesic gel with hot fomentation will help.
Muscle relaxant analgesics with pregabalin and methycobalamin tablets will be helpful.
If the pain does not subside within the next 3 days,then you should get a Chest Xray done and consult a doctor.
Do not lift anything heavy.
Avoid sleeping on the painful side.
I hope the answer was useful.
Feel free to ask me any follow up queries that you may have.
Thank you.
Kind regards.
Chest strain / intercostal neuritis
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting the query.
From the symptoms that you have stated,it seems that you may be suffering from a chest muscle strain or intercostal neuritis.
Chest strain causes inflammation of the skeletal muscles in the chest area causing pain and tenderness.
Intercostal neuritis is a condition in which the intercostal nerves are inflammed causing stabbing pain.
I would suggest you to use a rib belt around the painful area.It should be worn all throughout the day and also in the night.
Application of local analgesic gel with hot fomentation will help.
Muscle relaxant analgesics with pregabalin and methycobalamin tablets will be helpful.
If the pain does not subside within the next 3 days,then you should get a Chest Xray done and consult a doctor.
Do not lift anything heavy.
Avoid sleeping on the painful side.
I hope the answer was useful.
Feel free to ask me any follow up queries that you may have.
Thank you.
Kind regards.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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