What Causes Pain In Rib Cage?

Posted on Tue, 9 Sep 2014

Question: I was playing hockey last night. I got turned around and when I twisted I felt a tear on my left side...rib cage. I could not get up rolling to either side. It is quite painful. Getting in and out of bed is difficult. Certain movements cause great pain. Only on my back does it not hurt. It is on the left side and just below the sternum on the left side. If I push I can feel pain but most of the pain is caused when I move.

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possible fractured ribs.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. From your description of events and your symptoms, it is likely you have either fractured a rib or ribs or caused inflammation of the costochondral joint. This is were the rib cartilage joins the sternum.
Classically, there will be pain on movement, relieved by rest. It will get better over time but may take some days.
Treatment involves pain relief such as ibuprofen. I note you are taking this. Also warmth applied to the painful area in the form of warm compresses will help.
Coughing will make the pain worse and supporting the area during coughing will reduce the acute pain. There is a risk of secondary chest infection if breathing is impaired due to pain.
A chest X-ray would help diagnose fractured ribs. However, the treatment would be no different if this was confirmed.
I suggest you maintain adequate pain relief with ibuprofen and paracetamol. Rest when possible. Warm compresses regularly. If you are not improved in 2-3 days go to the ED for further assessment.
I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kerry Pottinger (13 minutes later)

Thank you! I can push on the ribs with only a little discomfort. It does feel more of a muscle issue, could this be obliques?

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes. Could be muscular.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Yes it could be muscular. I was considering that the pain on pressing the area that you mention may have been due to the movement of the unstable ribs. However, if it is a muscular tear then recovery time is likely to be shorter.
My suggestions for alleviating the pain would be the same for a muscular problem.
I hope you feel better soon. Any further questions, please contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kerry Pottinger (20 minutes later)

Thank you!!! I can walk today with much less oain than last night, but can't roll out of bed. Hoping just a bad strain and NO surgery....had bicep lateral 2 years ago and 4 knee surgeries over the years. ACL's on both. Seems like i keep staying too active..maybe stick to pools? :)

Do youthink i should get an MRI in a few days if not healing?

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
X-Ray would be simpler and informative.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
If you are no better in 2-3 days then I would suggest an X-Ray may be informative as it may show a fracture. Therefore a visit to the ED for assessment would be in order if no improvement.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger

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