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What Causes Pain Under My Rib Cage?

Posted on Thu, 19 Mar 2015

Question: I have been having pain for the last 4-6 weeks periodically on a daily basis. I have had two back operations and a heart attack so I somewhat know the difference in this pain. My pain started one night as I was getting up from bed. As I lifted up my body it felt like cramps on the right side of my back about mid way going around under my rib cage. After the "cramps" go away I have a soreness under by right side rib cage. When the "attack" begins I have a difficult time breathing and even walking sometimes because of the pain under my rib cage.

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
possibility of compression of thoracic spine nerve root leading to rib pain

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I have studied your case.
4 to 6 weeks is sufficient time for muscle spasm pain to resolve.
I suspect possibility of compression of thoracic spine nerve root leading to rib pain and cramp.

I will advise you to do MRI spine and orthopaedic doctor opinion.
For these symptoms analgesic and neurotropic medication like pregabalin can be started after consulting your doctor.
Till time, avoid lifting weights, Sit with support to back. You can consult physiotherapist for help.
Physiotherapy like ultrasound and interferential therapy will give quick relief.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

Take care.

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