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What Causes Recurring Pain In The Ribs And Under Arm Pit?

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Posted on Tue, 9 Dec 2014
Question: recurring pain ribs left side under arm pit and left shoulder neck extension persists more at night or when I am lying down
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Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Cervical spine problem.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

Such pain is most likely caused by spine disc herniation or other spine problem in the cervical area. Due to compression on spinal cord or nerves which get out from the spine you have arm pain (cervical spine is where the brachial plexus and whole arm and hand nerves do begin), ribs pain (upper thoracic spine is where the rib nerves start) and neck pain (due to muscle increased tension). You may also have headache, left hand weakness, left hand tingling.

If the pain is associated with shortness of breath and weakness, heart ischemia should be also considered. Heart problem usually give pain with increased physical activity.

I suggest you to consult orthopedist and have spine MRI to diagnose the problem. In case of mild changes in the spine, physical therapy might be the solution. In case of serious changes, surgery might be the only option.

If heart problems sound possible, please consult cardiologist.

Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
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
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Answered by
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Dr. Grzegorz Stanko

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 5795 Questions

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What Causes Recurring Pain In The Ribs And Under Arm Pit?

Brief Answer: Cervical spine problem. Detailed Answer: Hello! Thank you for the query. Such pain is most likely caused by spine disc herniation or other spine problem in the cervical area. Due to compression on spinal cord or nerves which get out from the spine you have arm pain (cervical spine is where the brachial plexus and whole arm and hand nerves do begin), ribs pain (upper thoracic spine is where the rib nerves start) and neck pain (due to muscle increased tension). You may also have headache, left hand weakness, left hand tingling. If the pain is associated with shortness of breath and weakness, heart ischemia should be also considered. Heart problem usually give pain with increased physical activity. I suggest you to consult orthopedist and have spine MRI to diagnose the problem. In case of mild changes in the spine, physical therapy might be the solution. In case of serious changes, surgery might be the only option. If heart problems sound possible, please consult cardiologist. Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions. Regards.