What Causes Stabbing Pain Under The Left Rib Cage?

Posted on Mon, 31 Jul 2017

Question: Hello. Im really concerned... i've been having stabbing pains in the left side of my ribcage that make it difficult to breathe in fully. The pain isn't consistent, it only occurs if i breathe in all the way. It lasts about 20 minutes or so at a time and happens once to twice a day, and then it goes away as quickly as it came.
For more background, i had this pain since i was really young (8 or 9), and my parents just told me it was growing pains because it would flare up when my hormones would. But now i'm almost 23 and it's been worse recently more than ever. I attached an image showing exactly where the pain is. I'm not showing symptoms of anything else as far as i know. My appetite is normal, my temperature is normal, and i have no lumps or abnormalities i can see or feel in that breast

Answered by Dr. Ahmed Aly Hassan (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
sometimes it subside simultaneously but an MRI scan is very specific in such cases if it concerns you repeatedly .

Detailed Answer:
Hi i am Dr Ahmed Aly
thanks for using HealthcareMagic site ,
I had gone through your question and understand your concerns ..

I hope you feel better soon mostly this could be a kind of muscular spasm or as a residue of pneumonia due to bad sitting or sleeping posture or whooping cough .
For my patients i may subscribe topical anti-inflammatory gels for gentle massaging . you mentioned that this pain has been chronic since the age of 8 -9 years old so i would prefer MRI scan on that area you pointing on in your picture and follow it up with your physician for proper evaluation and management .
If your pain persists or increases i recommend further investigations to prevent recurrence and know the underlying cause .

Please click and consider a 5 star rating with some positive feedback if the information was helpful. Wish you good health,
Any further clarifications feel free to ask.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Ahmed Aly Hassan (1 hour later)

Thank you very much. My sitting posture would actually make a lot of sense... if it doesn't let up, i will get an appointment and look into an MRI scan. Thanks again. :)

Answered by Dr. Ahmed Aly Hassan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
your welcome i will be happy to help .

Detailed Answer:
your welcome i will be happy to help .

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