What Causes Pain Under The Rib Cage After Injury?

Posted on Tue, 8 Nov 2016

Question: i was in an auto accident about 10 days ago. I am pretty sure my ribs are bruised from the over the shoulder seat belt. I have caught a cold and feel a sharp pain in the center of my abdomen just below my ribs. just when i cough or sneeze

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please get checked clinically for any soft tissue or bone injury

Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,
Thanks for writing in.

Sorry to hear about the auto accident and wishing you a quick recovery.
It is possible that there has been slight injury to the muscles in the anterior abdominal wall due to the impact and keeping in mind the seat belt which was running across at the time of the accident.

Though such pains usually resolve in a week in case of bone injuries there can be discomfort for a longer time, especially when you are coughing or snee

It would help to do a chest xray AP view to know if you have hurt your ribs, lungs or diaphragm due to the accident. Many times small injuries go unnoticed and it is always better to get checked if you are experiencing sharp pains in the region of your injury.

An ultrasound scan abdomen may be recommended after clinical examination to study the soft tissue structures and anterior abdominal wall in the region where you are experiencing sharp pains when coughing and sneezing.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,

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