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What Causes Pain Under The Left Rib Cage While Breathing?
Question: I am having severe pain between my left floating rib and iliac crest moving towards my lower back on that side.
It's hard to turn over, twist etc. I had L4-5, L5-S1 fusion March 1. That area has done very well. This sharp pain will take my breath away and lingers.
I'm not aware of any falls or injuries in he last 4 or 5 weeks, the duration of the pain. I'm scheduled for a CT tomorrow.
I'm 6'2", 205lbs, very active
It's hard to turn over, twist etc. I had L4-5, L5-S1 fusion March 1. That area has done very well. This sharp pain will take my breath away and lingers.
I'm not aware of any falls or injuries in he last 4 or 5 weeks, the duration of the pain. I'm scheduled for a CT tomorrow.
I'm 6'2", 205lbs, very active
Brief Answer:
Please give feedback of the CT scan report.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and an elucidate history.
To recapitulate: Male/70 - 6'2'' - 205 lbs and very active - pain 4-5 weeks - severe between left floating rib and iliac crest - moving towards lower back on left - hard to turn over or twist - sharp pain takes away the breath and linger - Fusion of L4-5 and L5-S1 - done very well - on March 1 - no injuries or fall - scheduled for CT tomorrow ...
The character of the pain- sharp taking away the breath - lingering - referred sort of - hard to turn over/twist indicate that this may be most probably Neuro-muscular problem. Meaning, there may be a nerve compression causing the muscle spasm.
Another possibility of left kidney infection causing such pains is least as you have not mentioned any urinary symptoms. Same for any colonic pain with severe inflammation as there are no bowel complaints.
Certainly CT will help. Is MRI contraindicated due to some implant or so? MRI if not contraindicated would be a better option as it shows spinal cord, nerves, root compression and so on.
I would advise you the following:
Take full bed rest as the movement of any sort causing more pain means more strain on the structures which are already inflamed to cause pain.
I hope you are already taking an anti-inflammatory medicine with painkiller property.
I also hope that this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Please give feedback of the CT scan report.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and an elucidate history.
To recapitulate: Male/70 - 6'2'' - 205 lbs and very active - pain 4-5 weeks - severe between left floating rib and iliac crest - moving towards lower back on left - hard to turn over or twist - sharp pain takes away the breath and linger - Fusion of L4-5 and L5-S1 - done very well - on March 1 - no injuries or fall - scheduled for CT tomorrow ...
The character of the pain- sharp taking away the breath - lingering - referred sort of - hard to turn over/twist indicate that this may be most probably Neuro-muscular problem. Meaning, there may be a nerve compression causing the muscle spasm.
Another possibility of left kidney infection causing such pains is least as you have not mentioned any urinary symptoms. Same for any colonic pain with severe inflammation as there are no bowel complaints.
Certainly CT will help. Is MRI contraindicated due to some implant or so? MRI if not contraindicated would be a better option as it shows spinal cord, nerves, root compression and so on.
I would advise you the following:
Take full bed rest as the movement of any sort causing more pain means more strain on the structures which are already inflamed to cause pain.
I hope you are already taking an anti-inflammatory medicine with painkiller property.
I also hope that this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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