What Causes Pain In The Rib Cage?

Posted on Wed, 14 May 2014

Question: have a pain in the upper right side near the middle by the rib cage. I know I am overweight, 5 foot and weigh in at 197 lbs. and I have scholiosis and have had it since 13 years old and i am trying to lose weight, just started.....the pain comes and goes, when i walk or exercise i don't feel it but I sit, I can feel it,,,,,,,,

Answered by Dr. Chander Mohan Singh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Get xrays done.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your query.

Pain in rib cage may be due to faulty posture in addition to scoliosis. Get your x-ray of chest AP view done and xray whole spine done in AP and Lateral view and send me the report. I will do grading of scoliosis and then will be able to advise you further treatment.

Till then apply hot packs for 30 mins in morning and evening.

Take tab. aceclofenac + thiocochicoside combination in morning, evening and night.

Stop doing all the exercises but you can do back strengthening exercises as uploaded on you tube.

Stop taking spicy food to take care of acid reflux.

I hope you have got your answer.

Thanks.

Dr.Singh.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Chander Mohan Singh (20 hours later)

could it be something else if the scoliosis was not a factor?

Answered by Dr. Chander Mohan Singh (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your response.

It may be due to degeneration of spine or degenerative disc disease etc.

I just want to see the curvature of your spine because scoliosis as age advances causes gradual deterioration of the facet joints. This is the same process that causes osteoarthritis of the spine; however, in scoliosis the pressure of these deteriorating facet joints causes spine to shift and thus further increases the shift.

Patients may experience stiffness and pain in the mid to lower back and/or pain, numbness, and weakness of limbs etc.

I hope you have got your answer.

Regards.

Dr. Singh.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj