Pain At Back Side Of Ribs
Pain in the back ribs can happen for many reasons. It can result from an injury, such as muscle strain or fractured rib, but it can also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as osteoporosis, gallstones, or a lung condition. The pain may be sharp or dull and mild or severe.
- Often, the pain resolves without intervention, but it can sometimes indicate a more serious medical condition that requires specialist care.
- This is more likely if the pain is intense or there are other symptoms.
- This article looks at some common causes of pain in the back of the ribs, as well as the associated symptoms and typical treatments.
Injuries can cause back rib pain. Common rib-related injuries include:
bruised ribspulled muscles fractures broken ribs
If pain after an injury is lasting or severe, the cause may be a broken rib. To diagnose this injury, a doctor may use an X-ray or MRI, Treatment options vary. Many people with broken ribs just need rest and pain relief medication. Surgical intervention is sometimes necessary, but only in severe cases.
sharp, severe pain in the upper back or ribsstiffness and tension in the upper back musclesspasms in the intercostal muscles
To treat this type of strain, doctors often recommend pain medication and physical therapy, Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage that holds the ribs together. It is a common condition, particularly in adults aged 40–50, and it causes pain in the chest wall, sometimes at the back of the ribs.
heat therapylocal or oral pain medicationscapsaicin creamphysical therapy
For many people with costochondritis, the issue improves in a few weeks, However, because the symptoms can be similar to those of a heart condition, it is vital to speak with a doctor. Preexisting conditions, such as osteoporosis, can weaken the ribs so that they break more easily, often during less intensive activities.
Osteoporosis causes the bones to lose the minerals that they need to stay strong. With a low mineral density, bones can fracture spontaneously or when the person is coughing. It is a common condition in older adults, especially in females. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that 12.6% of adults over 50 had osteoporosis in 2017–2018.
The figure for females only was 19.6%. The symptoms of osteoporosis include soreness and pain. Healthcare professionals often diagnose the issue with X-rays. They may also test a person’s kidney and thyroid function. Some treatment options for osteoporosis include:
doing gentle strength trainingreducing alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking, if applicabletaking calcium and vitamin D3 supplementstaking medications that reduce the risk of fractures
Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain in the muscles and bones. People may also have specific tender points. Researchers are unsure what causes it, but it is more common in females than in males. Beyond the pain, fibromyalgia often occurs with:
fatigue headaches paresthesia, which is a numb or burning sensation, usually in the extremities depression anxiety cognitive disturbances, such as problems processing and remembering information
Because fibromyalgia has such diverse symptoms, doctors may recommend a variety of interventions, including:
improving sleep quality practicing relaxation techniquesstarting cognitive behavioral therapy getting regular cardiovascular exercisetaking medications, including antidepressants and anticonvulsants
Gallstones are hardened deposits in the gallbladder, They sometimes cause no symptoms, but they can also move and block the ducts of the gallbladder, leading to problems. Gallstones can cause pain, especially when they block ducts. The classic presentation is pain in the upper right part of the stomach, under or around the ribs.
Some people also feel the pain in their back, such as between their shoulder blades. The pain may be intense, though it is mild for some people. It usually develops shortly after a meal and lasts for a few hours, A person may also have nausea and vomiting or jaundice, This yellowing of the eyes and skin signals that the gallstones are affecting the liver.
It may also cause dark urine. A blocked gallbladder duct can become a medical emergency. Anyone with gallstones should receive prompt medical attention for any intense abdominal pain, especially if there is jaundice. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood vessel in a lung is blocked, often by a blood clot.
- A person may initially notice pain and swelling in one leg when the clot blocks a blood vessel there.
- If the clot breaks loose, it can travel to the lungs.
- Pulmonary embolisms are serious and relatively common.
- Research shows that they are responsible for around 100,000 deaths per year in the United States, and this figure is rising.
Aside from pain in the back of the ribs, a pulmonary embolism can cause the following symptoms:
coughing, which may bring up blood sweatingheadaches and lightheadednessshortness of breathrapid breathinganxietyan irregular heartbeat
A pulmonary embolism is a life threatening emergency that requires immediate treatment. Typically, treatment involves blood thinning medication, which makes it harder for clots to form. A person who cannot tolerate this approach receives a different medication that prevents the blood from clotting.
Certain health conditions that affect the lungs can also cause back rib pain. For example, pleurisy, or inflammation of the lining of the lungs, can cause pain in the chest, shoulders, and back ribs. Researchers know that several underlying issues can cause pleurisy. For this reason, the treatments are varied.
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Why do I have pain at the back of the ribs? What is causing this?
Lung cancer can also cause pain in the chest and ribs. It is life threatening and a leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. Other symptoms of lung cancer include coughing, which may bring up blood, and shortness of breath. The best course of treatment depends on the cancer’s type and stage, as well as factors specific to each individual.
The pain worsens.It remains after a few days of home treatment.It limits the ability to move.It occurs with a fever, chills, vomiting, nausea, or other symptoms.
People who think that they may have gallstones should call a healthcare professional and ask if their symptoms are signs of an emergency. But anyone with intense gallstone pain should go to an emergency room. In general, seek emergency treatment if:
The pain is so severe that it limits the ability to function.It occurs with jaundice.It occurs with trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain.The person feels very sick.Any symptoms rapidly worsen over several hours.
Minor injuries can cause pain in the back ribs. These injuries are not usually dangerous, and they often heal on their own. However, this pain can also stem from a more serious health condition. This is especially likely if the pain is very intense, comes on suddenly, with no clear cause, or occurs with other symptoms.
How can you tell if back pain is muscular or internal?
5 sensations that might indicate a medical emergency – 1. Sharp pain rather than a dull ache: This could indicate a torn muscle or ligament, or a problem with an internal organ in the back or side.2. Radiating pain: This pain “moves” or shoots to the glutes or legs, which could indicate a nerve compression condition. : 5 signs your back pain might be an emergency
What organ is behind left rib?
Some people are born without a spleen or need to have it removed because of disease or injury. The spleen is a fist-sized organ found in the upper left side of your abdomen, next to your stomach and behind your left ribs. It’s an important part of your immune system but you can survive without it. This is because the liver can take over many of the spleen’s functions.
What does pancreatic back pain feel like?
Tummy or back pain – Many people with pancreatic cancer go to their doctors because they have pain. Pain is more common in cancers of the body and tail of the pancreas. People describe it as a dull pain that feels like it is boring into you. It can begin in the tummy area and spread around to the back.
Should I be worried if my ribs hurt?
Rib pain causes – Don’t take any chances if you’re experiencing rib or chest pain. Sometimes this pain can be caused by a heart attack, Get emergency care right away; it could save your life. If a heart condition isn’t the cause of your sore ribs, it could be from a:
Pulled muscle Broken or bruised rib Internal injury Sports injury, accident or fall Muscle spasm
Inflamed cartilage Acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other esophageal conditions Anxiety or other conditions Cancer
When should I worry about right side back pain?
Go to the emergency room if your back pain is severe or if you believe it could be an emergency, such as a serious health problem or injury. You’ll also want to recognize if it’s happening in conjunction with other symptoms, such as spinal tenderness, swelling, or bowel or bladder problems.
What are red flags for right middle back pain?
6. Heart Attack – Women in particular may develop referred middle back pain from a heart attack, Call your doctor immediately if your middle back pain is accompanied by a feeling of tightness or pressure in your chest that radiates to your shoulders and arms, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, and/or vomiting,
When should I worry about right rib pain?
6. Pulmonary embolism – A pulmonary embolism (PE) is when an artery going into the lungs becomes blocked. The blockage is often caused by a blood clot that has traveled up from one of the legs. As well as rib cage pain, PE can cause the following symptoms:
shortness of breathrapid breathingcoughing, including coughing up blood anxiety lightheadednesssweatingirregular heartbeat
PE is a serious condition that can damage the lungs and other organs due to reduced oxygen in the blood. Anyone who experiences the symptoms of PE should see a doctor. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute estimate that 30 percent of people who develop PE will die if they do not receive treatment.
- Fortunately, a quick diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.
- The rib cage consists of 24 ribs, 12 on either side, and it shields the organs of the chest, including the heart and the lungs, from damage.
- The ribs are attached to the breastbone, which is the long bone that runs down the center of the chest.
They are attached at the front, by cartilage, which is a firm yet flexible tissue. At the back, they are attached to the spine. The liver is located at the lower end of the rib cage on the right and the spleen is on the left. Both are given some protection by the rib bones.
The gallbladder and kidneys lie just below the rib cage. If any of the components of the rib cage, including the bones or cartilage, or the organs nearby are affected by injury or illness, a person will have pain in or near the rib cage. Rib cage pain may occur in the chest, below the ribs, or above the naval.
As there are several different causes of rib cage pain, the symptoms can vary. As a result, the pain may be:
sharpdullachingsuddenslow to developconstantintermittentworse when breathing in or moving
Other symptoms affecting the rib cage can include:
bruisingtendernessdifficulty breathing
Rib cage pain can be attributed to many underlying injuries or medical conditions. A person should always consult a doctor in any case of unexplained rib cage pain. If the pain or pressure in the chest is severe and breathing becomes difficult, a person should seek emergency medical treatment, as these symptoms could indicate a heart attack,
