What Causes Severe Pain In The Mid Back And Rib Cage?

Posted on Tue, 24 Jan 2017

Question: I have a severe pain upper left right by the opening of my ribcage. Its tender to the touch and has been gradually getting worse. I am aware of it constantly. When I bend over to tie my shoes it is very uncomfortable and noticable. I am extre,mely fatiggued as well. I had a CT scan 2 months ago and it did not show anything at that time but I am getting more concerned as my low to middle back is starting to hurt as well. I am 57 years old, female and weight 200 pounds. I do not drink sodas, sugar or eat bread. I have lost lost 25 pounds in the last 3 months intentionally. Is there any advice you may have. Should I get a second opinion or request and MRI? Thank you so much for your time.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Can be due to spondylosis of back.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The pain in the middle back and rib cage that you have is likely to be due to spondylottic changes in the spine which is causing a mild nerve root compression causing pain and fatigue.
The following measures will help with the pain
• Lie on a hard bed.
• Anti -inflammatory drugs like Tablet Motrin 1 tablet as and when required ( do not repeat a dose before 6 hours) with food will help relieve the pain.
• Correct your posture while sitting
• Avoid prolonged sitting
• Avoid strenuous activity & lifting heavy weights.
• Apply diclofenac gel on the affected area. Warm compresses will also help.

Adequate rest and proper nutrition is equally important. Drink lots of fluids since dehydration affects the disc. Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables, nuts, milk, eggs, pulses and cereals.Do brisk walking exercise for 40 minutes daily. Get 6-8 hours of refreshing sleep daily.
In case the pain is persistent then do consult an orthopedician and get an MRI scan done.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (25 hours later)

Thank you Dr. Tayal for your response. I will do all that you have recommended and outlined for me to do. So the tender area that I am referring to is on the left side about 3" down from where the rib cage starts in one spot about 3" long. I am aware that it hurts and then of course when I touch it it is more uncomfortable. Can all this be caused from the spondylottic changes? Is this an age thing? I had one other concern as well. Periodically on a really painful day back and sciatica I will have a very very tender area at the top 4" of my spine. I cant even touch it. I usually put an ice pack and some essential oils on this. It probably happens about twice a week, enough that its bothersome? Is this all related? Also is it ok to take the Motrin since I am taking the Zoloft and Klonopin at night. No interaction? Thank you in advance for your time on this?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Can be due to osteoarthritis and spondylosis.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
The tenderness in the area can be due to weakness of the bone related to osteoarthritis. It will gradually decrease with calcium supplements. The pain in the back that you have described can be due to spondylottic changes in the spine. You can take Motrin for pain relief even if you are taking Zoloft and Klonopin at night.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar