Pain In Back 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.
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.
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What causes pain in back right side under ribs?
When Should You Worry About It? – Pain in right side under ribs that does not go away or worsens after a few days may be related to some medical condition that needs further evaluation and treatment. Contact your doctor and tell him about other symptoms that occur with the pain for proper diagnosis. : Pain in Right Side Under Ribs – TSMP Medical Blog
Why does my back hurt on the right side under my ribs?
Kidney problems – The kidneys are located on either side of your spine, under your rib cage. Your right kidney hangs a little lower than the left, making it even more likely to cause lower back pain if it’s infected, irritated, or inflamed. Common kidney problems include kidney stones and kidney infection, which are covered in more detail below.
What are red flags for rib pain?
Check if you have a bruised or broken rib – Broken or bruised ribs are usually caused by a fall, a blow to the chest or severe coughing. Symptoms include:
strong pain in your chest area, particularly when you breathe inswelling or tenderness around the affected ribssometimes bruising on the skinfeeling or hearing a crack if it’s a broken rib
Ribs cannot be easily splinted or supported like other bones, so they’re usually left to heal naturally. There’s often no need for an X-ray.
What illness makes your ribs hurt?
#2: Inflammation – Rheumatoid arthritis, costochondritis (inflammation in your rib cage’s cartilage), and other forms of inflammation can cause discomfort in your ribs. Pleurisy, a condition characterized by inflammation in the lining of your lungs, can also cause rib pain.
Why does my middle right side of my back hurt?
Frequently Asked Questions – Is middle back pain a symptom of COVID-19? Back pain alone is not considered to be a symptom of COVID-19. If you have other symptoms, such as fever, chills, cough, or shortness of breath, seek medical care. What organ causes pain in the middle of the back? Middle back pain is commonly associated with the kidneys, which sit to the left and right of the middle spine.
If your pain includes symptoms like trouble urinating, dark urine, fever, nausea, or vomiting, seek medical care right away. Untreated kidney problems can lead to hospitalization and serious complications. How do you relieve middle back pain? The cause of your back pain determines how it is best treated.
You can correct posture, strengthen your back or core, and learn to properly lift, but if your back pain is caused from a fracture or other injury, none of these will help. If back pain does not resolve within 3 days or is severe, see your primary care provider or visit an emergency room.
What is middle back pain a symptom of?
Medical treatments – A person should see a doctor for back pain that persists for several days or does not respond to home remedies. Possible medical treatments for middle back pain typically include prescription medications, including painkillers, muscle relaxants, or steroid injections, and physical therapy, such as exercises and massage.
Discectomy: People with a herniated disk may need a discectomy to remove the injured part of the disk and prevent further damage. Fusion: A fusion procedure involves joining two vertebrae and using a spacer to replace damaged disks. Laminectomy: Used to decompress the spinal cord, a laminectomy removes the back wall of a vertebra (the lamina). Laminotomy: In this surgery, a surgeon removes a portion of the lamina to treat a pinched nerve.
Not all cases of middle back pain are preventable, but the following steps may reduce the risk of injury:
reach or maintain a moderate weightsleep on one side or on the backpractice proper postureergonomically optimize all workspacespractice safe lifting techniquestry physical therapy
A person should see a doctor if they experience any symptoms for more than 3 days, especially if they do not respond to home remedies. Symptoms of severe back pain that require prompt medical treatment include:
a tingling sensation in the arms, chest, or legschest painincontinencenumbnessweakness
People should seek immediate medical treatment for back symptoms following a fall, collision, or injury. Middle back pain can have a great many causes. These can range from impact injuries to the spinal column, poor posture, muscle weakness, and chronic inflammatory conditions.
Can liver cause back rib pain?
Liver problems Your liver sits in the upper right quadrant of your abdomen. It sometimes leads to rib pain with conditions like cirrhosis or hepatitis.
What is under right rib and middle back pain?
Kidney pain – People sometimes mistake pain in the kidneys as back pain. The kidneys are under the rib cage on both sides of the spine. Pain due to a kidney infection or kidney stones can sometimes feel like back pain in the middle back. The pain may occur on one side or both. Other symptoms of a kidney infection include:
fever and chills nausea and vomiting discolored or smelly urine frequent urinationpainful urination
People with kidney stones may experience the following in addition to back pain:
strong urge to urinatefrequent urinationpainful urinationblood in urinenausea and vomiting
People who suspect they have a kidney infection should seek immediate medical care. While some kidney stones may pass easily, larger stones can be unbearably painful and may require surgical intervention. Learn the differences between back and kidney pain here.
How can you tell the difference between gallbladder and liver pain?
How to differentiate gallbladder and liver pain – Gallbladder and liver pain can feel similar. Both organs are in the upper-right quadrant of the abdomen. However, some key differences can help differentiate between the two conditions. Gallbladder pain typically occurs in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen and may radiate to the right shoulder or back.
It is often described as a sharp, stabbing pain that may worsen after eating, especially fatty or greasy foods. In more severe cases, gallbladder pain may cause nausea, vomiting, fever, or jaundice. On the other hand, upper abdominal or liver pain may feel more like a dull ache or pressure in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.
It may also be accompanied by fatigue, weakness, or general discomfort. Liver pain is often associated with liver disease or inflammation and may get worse with alcohol consumption or by taking certain medications.
What muscle is behind right rib cage?
Clinically Relevant Anatomy – external and internal intercostal muscles Intercostal muscles are muscles that present within the rib cage. Consist of three layers of muscles external, internal, and innermost layer they combine to fill the space between the ribs. External intercostals muscle are the outermost layer lies directly under the skin originate from the lower border of rib above run obliquely and insert into the upper border of the rib below.
It expands the chest wall during inhalation. Internal intercostals the intermediate layer originate from the costal groove near the inferior border of the rib above to the upper border of the rib below, help to collapse the Lung during expiration. Innermost intercostals muscle, cross more than one intercostal space, and assist the internal and external intercostals in their function,
Intercostal muscles strain vary according to the type and intensity of injury, strain of intercostal muscles causes rib/chest pain, upper back pain, and affect the breathing pattern the patient will present with shallow short breathing pattern due to pain.
