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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Pain Under The Rib Cage On The Left Side?

Hi - ever since my daughter was born (she s 11 now), sometimes I get a pain in my left rib as if my muscle underneath is tightening up and pushing through the rib cage. When this happens, you can actually see the muscle pushing out of my rib and it s hard to the touch. What can that be? Is that some kind of hernia? I am female, 49 yrs old, weigh 143 lbs, and I m 5 10 . FYI., I had another baby at 45 (three years ago) and it seems to be worse. Thank you
posted on Mon, 12 Jun 2017
Twitter Fri, 31 Aug 2018 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 31 Aug 2018 Last reviewed on
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Hi,

The possibility of a hernia is very very less. The possibility of musculoskeletal pain is more likely. But better to get done chest X-ray to rule out the major disease.

If the chest X-ray is normal then no need to worry about major illness. Avoid movements causing pain. Avoid heavyweight lifting and strenuous exercise. Avoid sudden jerky movements of the chest.

Apply warm water pad on affected areas of the chest. Take simple painkiller like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Don't worry, you will be alright with all these.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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What Causes Pain Under The Rib Cage On The Left Side?

Hi, The possibility of a hernia is very very less. The possibility of musculoskeletal pain is more likely. But better to get done chest X-ray to rule out the major disease. If the chest X-ray is normal then no need to worry about major illness. Avoid movements causing pain. Avoid heavyweight lifting and strenuous exercise. Avoid sudden jerky movements of the chest. Apply warm water pad on affected areas of the chest. Take simple painkiller like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Don t worry, you will be alright with all these. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.