What Causes Pain Under The Left Rib Cage While Stretching?

Posted on Mon, 15 May 2017

Question: Hello this question is for dr XXXX I am 45 and you have worked on my case before I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and costochondritis since yesterday I have been having a pain in upper left rib side under the breast I it comes and goes but if I stretch I feel it if I move to much I feel it and when I sit it feel it like an ache also if I run my hand along it I feel it there is no shortness of breath no radiating or anything I don't believe it to be cardiac but with it possibly being costochondritis any suggestions I have had complete cardiac work up in may 2016 and each stress in dec 2016 all normal blood pressure and blood all normal

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
My answer as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome back on HCM!

I carefully passed through your question and would like to reassure you that your symptoms are not related to any cardiac disorders.

The fact that the pain is modulated by deep breathing, body movement and palpation (touching and pressure) on this region goes in favor of a musculo-skeletal disorder.

Considering its location, chostocondritis can not be excluded, although it would be more typical in the medial part of the sternum.

Anyway, I recommend you to start ibuprofen 200 mg three times daily. It is helpful for both musculo-skeletal pain and chostochondritis, due to its antiinflammatory effects.

In my opinion there is no need for any additional tests.

Your situation will improve in some days. You should just be a little patient and avoid straining physical activity in the next days.

Hope to have been helpful!

I remain at your disposal for any other questions whenever you need!

Let me know about everything!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

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

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (10 minutes later)

Hello thank u for ur reassurance and advise would this be normal even when I sit considering I guess that would be putting pressure on it
As long as it is not cardiac and I don't need further testing I am reassured would heat or Salon patchs work or a rub like a five 3 five

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
My answer as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

Yes, heat and Salon patch can be helpful.

If they do not improve your situation, I would recommend taking ibuprofen.

Hope to have been helpful!

Let me know about everything!

I would be happy to answer to all of your questions!

Wishing a nice weekend,

Dr. Iliri

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

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (18 minutes later)

Hello thank you again your reassurance this is not cardiac is great I will try ur suggestions ... also is there a direct way for me to contact you

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome!

Detailed Answer:
I am glad to have been helpful to you!

You can ask me directly at any time on my personal link as follows:

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=69765

Wishing all the best,

Dr. Iliri

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

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (20 hours later)

Thank u I tried ur personal link it did not work but again thanks for ur help

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
My answer as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I am sorry about that. Maybe there are problems with my personal link.

Anyway, you can ask my name in your question ( for ex.:question for Dr. Ilir Sharka), and the site will direct the question towards me.

I would be happy to answer to all of your questions at anytime!

Wishing all the best,

Dr. Iliri

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

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