Health Encyclopedia

Rib cage pain

Definition

Rib cage pain includes any pain or discomfort in the area of the ribs. See chest pain.

Alternative Names

Pain - rib cage

Considerations

With a broken rib, the pain gets worse when bending and twisting the body. Such movement does not cause the pain in those who have pleurisy (swelling of the lining of the lungs) or muscle spasms.

Common Causes

Bruised, cracked, or fractured rib
Costochondritis (inflammation of cartilage near the breastbone)
Osteoporosis
Pleurisy (the pain is worse when breathing deeply)

Home Care

Rest and immobilization are the best cure for a rib cage fracture.

Follow your health care provider's instructions for treatment of the cause of rib cage pain.

Call your health care provider if

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if the pain is persistent, prolonged, or unexplained.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

The health care provider will obtain your medical history and will perform a physical examination.

Medical history questions documenting rib cage pain in detail may include the following:

When did the pain develop?
Is it present all the time?
Is it getting worse?
How would you describe the pain?
Is it a sharp or stabbing sensation?
Does it feel like pulling or grabbing?
Does it ache like a bruise?
Is it a crushing pain?
Does it feel like pressure or heaviness? (This may be a sign ofangina or heart attack)
Exactly where is the pain?
Is it only on one side?
Is it the same on both sides?
Is the pain worse when bending or twisting?
Is it worse when coughing?
Is it worse when breathing deeply?
Has there been an injury to the chest?
What other symptoms are also present?

Physical examination may include emphasis on the lungs and chest cavity.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include the following:

Chest x-ray
Bone scan (if there is known history of cancer or it is highly suspected)

Review Date:1/22/2007
Reviewed By:Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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