Chronic Conditions 6 MIN READ 3956 VIEWS July 12, 2023

Understanding Rib Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies

The ribs make up the bony structure that protects the vital organs in the chest and aids in breathing. The rib bone pain or pain in the chest wall may be quite discomforting. The intensity of rib pain that ranges from mild to severe depends upon its cause. Read more to understand ribs pain causes, symptoms, and when to seek medical advice for proper treatment.

Causes of Rib Pain

Rib pain can occur with or without a known reason. While an injury is the most obvious cause of rib bone pain, several other reasons spark rib pain. These include:

  • Trauma or injury to the ribs such as fractures or contusions
  • Muscle strain in the chest or rib area
  • Inflammation of the rib joints known as costochondritis
  • Conditions like rib osteoporosis or rib tumours
  • Respiratory infections or conditions such as pneumonia or pleurisy
  • Gastrointestinal issues, including gallbladder (gallstones) or liver problems (hepatitis)
  • Nerve irritation, such as intercostal neuralgia
  • Overuse or repetitive motions lead to rib stress fractures
  • Certain medical conditions, like fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis
  • Chest wall or musculoskeletal disorders impacting the ribs

Symptoms of Rib Pain

Symptoms of rib pain can vary depending on the underlying cause but commonly include:

  • Localised pain – Discomfort or soreness felt directly in the area of the ribs
  • Tenderness – Sensitivity or pain when touching the affected ribs
  • Difficulty Breathing – Pain that worsens on deep breathing and coughing
  • Bruising or Swelling – Visible signs of injury or inflammation around the rib area
  • Restricted Movement – Discomfort or pain when moving, twisting, or bending
  • Sharp or Stabbing Pain – Intense or piercing sensations in the rib cage
  • Radiating Pain – Discomfort that spreads to the back, shoulder, or arm
  • Muscle Spasms – Involuntary contractions of the muscles around the ribs
  • Chest Wall Tenderness – Soreness or pain in the chest wall or sternum
  • Associated Symptoms– Additional symptoms like fever, cough, fatigue, or gastrointestinal issues may also surface, depending upon the underlying cause. 

What Do Different Sites of Rib Pain Indicate?

The specific sites of rib pain can provide some clues about the possible underlying medical issues. These include:

  • Front of the chest – Pain in the front of the chest, near the sternum, may indicate costochondritis, inflammation of the rib joints, or muscle strain in the chest wall.
  • Side of the chest – Rib pain right side or rib pain left side, particularly towards the lower ribs, can be associated with muscle strain, intercostal muscle spasms, or rib fractures.
  • Back of the chest – Back rib pain can be caused by muscle strain, injured or fractured ribs, or conditions affecting the spine, such as herniated discs or vertebral compression fractures. Gallstones may also cause back rib pain between shoulder blades.
  • Under the breast – Rib pain beneath the breast can be linked to conditions like gallbladder or liver issues, as well as musculoskeletal problems like costochondritis or rib osteoporosis.
  • Upper chest/shoulder area – Rib pain in the upper chest or shoulder area might be connected to referred pain from organs like the heart or lungs, or conditions affecting the joints or muscles in that region.
  • Lower rib area – Pain in the lower rib area can be caused by conditions such as rib fractures, muscle strain, or abdominal issues like kidney stones or pancreatitis.
  • Upper abdomen – Rib pain in the upper abdomen could be related to liver diseases, such as hepatitis or liver congestion, or gastrointestinal issues like peptic ulcers or gallbladder inflammation.
  • Back Rib Pain – Rib pain in the middle of the back or lower back rib pain may be associated with conditions affecting the thoracic spine, such as herniated discs, osteoarthritis, or spinal misalignment.
  • Whole Rib Cage – Diffusing pain throughout the rib cage could be indicative of conditions like fibromyalgia, costochondritis, or systemic disorders affecting multiple joints and muscles.
  • Floating Ribs (lower ribs): Pain in the floating ribs, which are the lower two pairs of ribs not attached to the sternum, can be caused by trauma, muscle strain, or conditions like slipping rib syndrome.

Rib Pain Diagnosis

Diagnosing the underlying cause of rib pain may typically involve a combination of diagnostic tests. The approach adopted will depend upon the individual case and the suspected cause of rib pain. It includes the following:

  • Medical History – The healthcare professional will ask about your symptoms, the onset and duration of pain, any previous injuries or medical conditions, and any activities that may have triggered the pain.
  • Physical Examination – The doctor will examine the area of pain, checking for tenderness, swelling, bruising, or deformities. They may also assess your range of motion and look for any signs of inflammation or musculoskeletal abnormalities.
  • Imaging Tests – X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may be conducted to draw visual images of the ribs, chest wall, and surrounding structures to detect fractures, injuries, or abnormalities.
  • Blood Tests – Blood tests can help identify potential underlying conditions, such as infections, inflammation, or autoimmune disorders.
  • Nerve or Joint Injections – In some cases, diagnostic nerve blocks or joint injections may be administered to determine if specific nerves or joints are the sources of pain.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) – If cardiac-related issues are suspected, an ECG may be conducted to evaluate the heart’s electrical activity and rule out any cardiac involvement.

Best Remedies for Rib Pain

The remedy for this problem will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. The most common approaches to manage and treat rib pain include:

  • Rest and Activity Modification – In cases of mild rib pain routing from minor rib injuries or muscle strains, resting the affected area and avoiding activities that worsen the pain promotes healing.
  • Pain Relievers – Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help alleviate mild to moderate rib pain. Prescription pain medications may be necessary for more severe cases.
  • Topical Analgesics – Applying topical analgesic creams or patches to the affected area can provide localised pain relief.
  • Cool or Warm Compress – Alternate application of ice packs and heat pads to the painful area can help reduce inflammation, numb the area, and provide temporary pain relief. 
  • Physical Therapy – Stretching, strengthening exercises, and other physiotherapy exercises help improve rib muscle strength, flexibility, and overall function. The technique is especially helpful in cases of muscle strain injuries.
  • Breathing Exercises – Deep breathing exercises and techniques can help improve lung function and reduce discomfort associated with breathing, particularly in cases of rib pain caused by inflammation or respiratory conditions.
  • Supportive Measures – Wearing a rib belt or using supportive devices can help stabilise the ribs, promote healing, and provide pain relief during movement. These devices are also helpful in rib fracture treatments.
  • Injection Therapy – In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be administered directly into the rib joint or surrounding tissues to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
  • Surgery – Surgical intervention is rare for rib pain, but it may be necessary in cases of severe fractures, dislocations, or underlying conditions that require specific treatment.
  • Addressing Underlying Conditions – If rib pain is secondary and a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as osteoporosis or an infection, treatment will focus on managing and addressing the root cause.

When to See a Doctor?

While some cases of rib pain can heal over time, it is advisable to see a doctor for rib pain if:

  • Severe pain persists or worsens with time
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness
  • Visible deformity, swelling or bruising
  • Pain after a traumatic injury
  • Rib pain is accompanied by symptoms like fever, cough, or abdominal pain. 

Conclusion

Rib pain can be a debilitating condition that can arise from a variety of causes, ranging from minor injuries to underlying medical conditions. It is important to understand the symptoms and seek medical attention promptly when necessary. 

Accurate diagnosis and appropriate ribs pain treatment are essential for effective management and prevention of further complications. Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the pain and can include rest, pain management, physical therapy, supportive measures, and more. 

Consult a healthcare professional to develop a personalised rib pain treatment plan that addresses individual needs and promotes optimal recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rib Pain

Rib pain that is severe, persistent, accompanied by difficulty breathing, or has other concerning symptoms must be addressed immediately.

To get rid of rib pain, treatment options include rest, pain management, physical therapy, supportive measures, and addressing the underlying cause.

If rib pain worsens with movement and there are no other concerning symptoms, it is likely muscular.

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