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What Causes Painful Contractions In Lower Right Rib Cage Area?
Question: I am a 41 year old male in good health. For the past couple years I have had a non-painful sensation that I can only describe as contractions in the lower right rib cage area. The episodes occur most frequently just after eating. These contractions are powerful enough such that I have a hard time breathing and cause the most discomfort when sitting or lying on my back. The contractions last about 10-15 seconds, with little break between the end of one and the beginning of another. Hepatobiliary scan showed 92%, and ultrasound showed no evidence of gallstones. I can find no similar accounts of this condition via web search. I was able to tolerate the contractions and thought they were simple intercostal spasms, but now they are very powerful and as frequent as ever (3-4 episodes per day). Any help would be great; thanks.
Brief Answer:
If Superficial it is muscle spasm
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing in
Considering the fact that the ultasound is normal it is more likely that the contractions are in the muscle wall
What contradicts this impression is that the occurrence is after eating and that too frequently
I would suggest few tips before subjecting you to further investigations
One you may try a muscle relaxant along with Gabapentine 600mg twice a day
If this does not work in 48 to 72 hours, give a good probiotic and a proton pump inhibitor a trial for another 48 to 72 hours
If neither works we can plan a workup and come to a conclusive diagnosis
Hope this helps
DO write back in case of concern
If Superficial it is muscle spasm
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing in
Considering the fact that the ultasound is normal it is more likely that the contractions are in the muscle wall
What contradicts this impression is that the occurrence is after eating and that too frequently
I would suggest few tips before subjecting you to further investigations
One you may try a muscle relaxant along with Gabapentine 600mg twice a day
If this does not work in 48 to 72 hours, give a good probiotic and a proton pump inhibitor a trial for another 48 to 72 hours
If neither works we can plan a workup and come to a conclusive diagnosis
Hope this helps
DO write back in case of concern
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Answered by
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