Six potential sources of chest discomfort or pain
Rib cage pain can be a concerning symptom, especially when it persists and requires medical attention. This article aims to shed light on the various causes of rib cage pain, their symptoms, and when to seek help from a healthcare professional.
Rib cage pain can stem from several sources, ranging from musculoskeletal issues and infections to organ problems. One common cause is costochondritis, a condition that causes inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone. This inflammation can lead to localized chest wall pain and tenderness, often triggered by heavy lifting, repetitive upper body movements, chest injuries, or severe coughing from viral infections.
Another cause of rib cage pain is intercostal neuralgia, which is nerve pain along the ribs due to injuries, heavy physical activities, or poor posture. While usually not dangerous, persistent or severe symptoms might need evaluation.
Musculoskeletal strain, such as pulled or strained intercostal muscles from overuse or trauma, can also cause rib cage pain that worsens with movement or deep breathing.
Organ-related causes of rib cage pain include gallbladder issues, liver inflammation, pneumonia or lung irritation, kidney stones, and trapped gas in the colon. For instance, gallstones can cause sharp right-sided rib pain due to blocked bile ducts, while kidney stones can produce intense, colicky pain radiating around the ribs.
Heart-related causes, such as a heart attack, may also manifest as persistent rib cage pain, particularly on the left side. Such symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention, especially if accompanied by dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, or chest tightness.
Other potential causes of rib cage pain include poor posture or pregnancy-related changes, which can cause strain and pressure on the rib cage, leading to persistent discomfort.
Notably, conditions like fibromyalgia, lung cancer, and pulmonary embolism can also cause rib cage pain or chest pain. A pulmonary embolism, a blockage in an artery going to the lungs usually caused by a blood clot that travels from the legs, can cause rib cage pain, along with other symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood.
In all cases of unexplained or persistent rib cage pain, it is essential to consult a doctor. People should also seek emergency medical treatment if they experience severe chest pain and difficulty breathing, as these symptoms may indicate a heart attack.
In conclusion, rib cage pain warranting medical attention may arise from inflammation of chest cartilage (costochondritis), nerve pain, muscle strain, or serious internal organ issues such as cardiac problems or gallbladder disease. Warning signs like worsening pain, spreading pain, breathing difficulty, fever, or associated systemic symptoms should prompt urgent medical evaluation. If in doubt, always err on the side of caution and seek professional advice.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Costochondritis. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/costochondritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353518 [2] NHS. (2021). Intercostal neuralgia. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/intercostal-neuralgia/ [3] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Costochondritis. [online] Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17097-costochondritis [4] Healthline. (2021). Rib pain: Causes, symptoms, and treatment. [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/rib-pain [5] American Heart Association. (2021). Heart Attack Symptoms in Women. [online] Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/understand-the-symptoms-of-a-heart-attack-in-women
- Costochondritis, a condition causing inflammation of the cartilage connecting ribs to the breastbone, can lead to localized chest wall pain and tenderness.
- Intercostal neuralgia, characterized by nerve pain along the ribs, can also cause rib cage pain, particularly after injuries, heavy physical activities, or poor posture.
- Musculoskeletal strain, such as pulled or strained intercostal muscles, can lead to rib cage pain that worsens with movement or deep breathing.
- Gallbladder issues, liver inflammation, pneumonia, lung irritation, kidney stones, and trapped gas in the colon can cause rib cage pain, with gallstones potentially causing sharp right-sided pain.
- Heart-related conditions like heart attacks, can manifest as persistent rib cage pain, particularly on the left side, and may require immediate medical attention.
- Poor posture, pregnancy-related changes, or multiple chronic diseases like fibromyalgia, lung cancer, or pulmonary embolism can cause rib cage pain or chest pain.
- Severe, persistent rib cage pain can stem from ulcerative colitis, psoriatic arthritis, diabetes, or other medical-conditions, necessitating a visit to a healthcare professional.
- A pulmonary embolism, a blockage in an artery going to the lungs, can cause rib cage pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood, requiring emergent medical treatment.
- Rib cage pain requiring medical attention may arise from conditions like multiple organ-related issues, chronic diseases, or heart problems.
- Warning signs like worsening pain, spreading pain, breathing difficulty, fever, or associated systemic symptoms should prompt urgent medical evaluation.
- For predictive and accurate diagnosis and treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and other chronic diseases causing rib cage pain, science and medical advancements play crucial roles in health and wellness improvement.
