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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Sharp Pain On Left Side Of Rib Cage?

I have been experiencing a sharp pain in my rib cage. Particularly on the left side. I ll lean over or twist the wrong way and it will feel like my ribs have gotten caught on each other. I have to adjust very slowly and in the right direction or it will only hurt more. What could be the cause of this? should I be worried? What can I do to stop this?
Fri, 15 May 2020
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

With such presentations in my clinic, I would first rule out serious conditions with ECG and stress tests specially if there is a history of smoking, Diabetes or high blood pressure. Once I am sure this is not life threatening I would think of painful rib syndrome. Underneath each rib runs a neurovascular bundle.

Sometimes with setting those nerves get impinged and result in pain. For which I would suggest a pain relieving medicine like Ibuprofen up to 600mg (if not allergic to) for couple of days. If it is not relieved I would refer to an Orthopedic Surgeon for further management such as lignocaine infiltration.

Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Ahmad Nazzal, General & Family Physician
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What Causes Sharp Pain On Left Side Of Rib Cage?

Hi, With such presentations in my clinic, I would first rule out serious conditions with ECG and stress tests specially if there is a history of smoking, Diabetes or high blood pressure. Once I am sure this is not life threatening I would think of painful rib syndrome. Underneath each rib runs a neurovascular bundle. Sometimes with setting those nerves get impinged and result in pain. For which I would suggest a pain relieving medicine like Ibuprofen up to 600mg (if not allergic to) for couple of days. If it is not relieved I would refer to an Orthopedic Surgeon for further management such as lignocaine infiltration. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Ahmad Nazzal, General & Family Physician