Question about rib pain
An_247297 posted:
I didn't really see a forum for musculoskeletal issues and I am not on any pain pills, so if this is in the wrong forum, my apologies in advance.
Over the past few months, I have been having something strange happen on and around my rib cage. A few months ago, I was leaning over a sofa to pick something up off of the floor and felt a pop. It was immediately painful and difficult to take a deep breath. I went to my family doctor, he ordered an x-ray and when that was negative, put me on an NSAID. It didn't really do too much to relieve the pain, but it went away after several weeks.
Today, I was sitting on my desk chair, bent over to pick up a paper that had fallen and again, felt a pop with instant pain, this time in an area just below my left rib cage. It is not on the rib, it's under. Again, it is painful to the touch and again, difficult to take a breath unless I brace the area.
Can anyone tell me what this might be? It's difficult to accept a diagnosis of costochondritis, especially since enough time has elapsed between the first incident and the second to rule it out. I am reluctant to spend the money for an office visit if I am going to be patted on the head, prescribed an expensive NSAID and sent on my way.
Has anyone who has had this happen give me any insight as to the possible causes? If I need to see someone other than my family doc for treatment, I'd like to be armed with suggestions instead of just demanding a referral, if a referral is even needed.
Thank you.
Over the past few months, I have been having something strange happen on and around my rib cage. A few months ago, I was leaning over a sofa to pick something up off of the floor and felt a pop. It was immediately painful and difficult to take a deep breath. I went to my family doctor, he ordered an x-ray and when that was negative, put me on an NSAID. It didn't really do too much to relieve the pain, but it went away after several weeks.
Today, I was sitting on my desk chair, bent over to pick up a paper that had fallen and again, felt a pop with instant pain, this time in an area just below my left rib cage. It is not on the rib, it's under. Again, it is painful to the touch and again, difficult to take a breath unless I brace the area.
Can anyone tell me what this might be? It's difficult to accept a diagnosis of costochondritis, especially since enough time has elapsed between the first incident and the second to rule it out. I am reluctant to spend the money for an office visit if I am going to be patted on the head, prescribed an expensive NSAID and sent on my way.
Has anyone who has had this happen give me any insight as to the possible causes? If I need to see someone other than my family doc for treatment, I'd like to be armed with suggestions instead of just demanding a referral, if a referral is even needed.
Thank you.
9 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Question about rib painI didn't really see a forum for musculoskeletal issues and I am not on any pain pills, so if this is in the wrong forum, my apologies in advance.<br /><br />Over the past few months, I have been having something strange happen on and around my rib cage. A few months ago, I was leaning over a sofa to pick something up off of the floor and felt a pop. It was immediately painful and difficult to take a deep breath. I went to my family doctor, he ordered an x-ray and when that was negative, put me on an NSAID. It didn't really do too much to relieve the pain, but it went away after several weeks.<br /><br />Today, I was sitting on my desk chair, bent over to pick up a paper that had fallen and again, felt a pop with instant pain, this time in an area just below my left rib cage. It is not on the rib, it's under. Again, it is painful to the touch and again, difficult to take a breath unless I brace the area.<br /><br />Can anyone tell me what this might be? It's difficult to accept a diagnosis of costochondritis, especially since enough time has elapsed between the first incident and the second to rule it out. I am reluctant to spend the money for an office visit if I am going to be patted on the head, prescribed an expensive NSAID and sent on my way. <br /><br />Has anyone who has had this happen give me any insight as to the possible causes? If I need to see someone other than my family doc for treatment, I'd like to be armed with suggestions instead of just demanding a referral, if a referral is even needed.<br /><br />Thank you.
annette030 responded:
I am sorry to say that you should indeed see your own doctor about this, but you can tell him to prescribe a cheap alternative to the expensive NSAID, I take over the counter ibuprofen when I need an NSAID. I think I get 500 tablets (200 mg. each) for $8.99 when it is on sale. I use the generic store brands rather than expensive name brands.
Costochondritis can be a repetitive problem from what I have read.
I would not bother with a refferal for a specialist for this kind of thing, unless your pcp's treatment does not work.
Take care,Annette
Costochondritis can be a repetitive problem from what I have read.
I would not bother with a refferal for a specialist for this kind of thing, unless your pcp's treatment does not work.
Take care,Annette
Report This| Share this:Question about rib painI am sorry to say that you should indeed see your own doctor about this, but you can tell him to prescribe a cheap alternative to the expensive NSAID, I take over the counter ibuprofen when I need an NSAID. I think I get 500 tablets (200 mg. each) for $8.99 when it is on sale. I use the generic store brands rather than expensive name brands.<br /><br />Costochondritis can be a repetitive problem from what I have read.<br /><br />I would not bother with a refferal for a specialist for this kind of thing, unless your pcp's treatment does not work.<br /><br />Take care,Annette
Mariel189 replied to annette030's response:
Annette, thank you for your reply.
Unfortunately, NSAIDs do not relieve this pain. I have OTC ibuprofen here as well and have been taking 400 mg every 4 hours and it hasn't touched it. The pain is very deep and very severe.
Out of desperation, I called a friend who is a physical therapist and she said it sounded like I was a rib subluxation (dislocation) and I could probably benefit from chiropractic treatment as well as PT to strengthen the muscles around my rib cage. This makes sense as I have problems with chronic subluxation of my kneecaps.
I am seeing a chiro today and will report back on how successful it was (or wasn't).
Again, thank you for taking the time to respond to me.
Unfortunately, NSAIDs do not relieve this pain. I have OTC ibuprofen here as well and have been taking 400 mg every 4 hours and it hasn't touched it. The pain is very deep and very severe.
Out of desperation, I called a friend who is a physical therapist and she said it sounded like I was a rib subluxation (dislocation) and I could probably benefit from chiropractic treatment as well as PT to strengthen the muscles around my rib cage. This makes sense as I have problems with chronic subluxation of my kneecaps.
I am seeing a chiro today and will report back on how successful it was (or wasn't).
Again, thank you for taking the time to respond to me.
Report This| Share this:Question about rib painAnnette, thank you for your reply. <br /><br />Unfortunately, NSAIDs do not relieve this pain. I have OTC ibuprofen here as well and have been taking 400 mg every 4 hours and it hasn't touched it. The pain is very deep and very severe.<br /><br />Out of desperation, I called a friend who is a physical therapist and she said it sounded like I was a rib subluxation (dislocation) and I could probably benefit from chiropractic treatment as well as PT to strengthen the muscles around my rib cage. This makes sense as I have problems with chronic subluxation of my kneecaps.<br /><br />I am seeing a chiro today and will report back on how successful it was (or wasn't).<br /><br />Again, thank you for taking the time to respond to me.
Whoa, hold on! Don't go to a chiro if your pain is that bad. Don't you think his pushing on your rib cage/back will make it worse? Plus I would wait on the doc's input before going. The PT is right in regard to subluxation remedies-strengthening, but if I were you, seeing that you only have access to OTC med's that don't work, I would wait to get in to see a pt until after the flare-up, then consider adjustments later.
I would just hate to hear that you ended up worse. I hope it turns out ok, B
I would just hate to hear that you ended up worse. I hope it turns out ok, B
Report This| Share this:Question about rib painWhoa, hold on! Don't go to a chiro if your pain is that bad. Don't you think his pushing on your rib cage/back will make it worse? Plus I would wait on the doc's input before going. The PT is right in regard to subluxation remedies-strengthening, but if I were you, seeing that you only have access to OTC med's that don't work, I would wait to get in to see a pt until after the flare-up, then consider adjustments later.<br><br>I would just hate to hear that you ended up worse. I hope it turns out ok, B
Too late. I saw the chiro today at one and after a couple of manipulations, after the initial pain, it felt instantly better. He told me to watch my posture, refrain from bending from the waist and to use proper body mechanics when lifting. He also explained that as part of aging, cartilage loses its elasticity so injuries of this type can occur with more frequency. It seems my friend was right about the cause.
It's still painful to touch, but the chiro said that was due to muscle spasm around the dislocation which should get progressively better. At least I can take a deep breath now without invoking tears. As soon as the soreness resolves, I'm starting PT for muscle strengthening. I already do exercises for my knees since muscles are the only thing that keeps them in place.
Anyway, that is my experience with this problem. If the injury were directly on the rib or felt as if it were, I would have definitely gone to my doctor, but this turned out to be much cheaper and much more effective than my first visit to him. And now that I know what to watch for and what is needed to hopefully prevent it in the future, I feel a lot better about it.
Thanks for your response.
It's still painful to touch, but the chiro said that was due to muscle spasm around the dislocation which should get progressively better. At least I can take a deep breath now without invoking tears. As soon as the soreness resolves, I'm starting PT for muscle strengthening. I already do exercises for my knees since muscles are the only thing that keeps them in place.
Anyway, that is my experience with this problem. If the injury were directly on the rib or felt as if it were, I would have definitely gone to my doctor, but this turned out to be much cheaper and much more effective than my first visit to him. And now that I know what to watch for and what is needed to hopefully prevent it in the future, I feel a lot better about it.
Thanks for your response.
Report This| Share this:Question about rib painToo late. I saw the chiro today at one and after a couple of manipulations, after the initial pain, it felt instantly better. He told me to watch my posture, refrain from bending from the waist and to use proper body mechanics when lifting. He also explained that as part of aging, cartilage loses its elasticity so injuries of this type can occur with more frequency. It seems my friend was right about the cause.<br /><br />It's still painful to touch, but the chiro said that was due to muscle spasm around the dislocation which should get progressively better. At least I can take a deep breath now without invoking tears. As soon as the soreness resolves, I'm starting PT for muscle strengthening. I already do exercises for my knees since muscles are the only thing that keeps them in place.<br /><br />Anyway, that is my experience with this problem. If the injury were directly on the rib or felt as if it were, I would have definitely gone to my doctor, but this turned out to be much cheaper and much more effective than my first visit to him. And now that I know what to watch for and what is needed to hopefully prevent it in the future, I feel a lot better about it.<br /><br />Thanks for your response.
PS: As an RN (now retired), I didn't really trust chiros and was naturally a little apprehensive. I am in no way recommending chiropractic treatment instead of treatment/evaluation by a licensed MD, DO or nurse practitioner, however since my symptoms this time were identical to the last time this happened, I felt I had nothing to lose.
Report This| Share this:Question about rib painPS: As an RN (now retired), I didn't really trust chiros and was naturally a little apprehensive. I am in no way recommending chiropractic treatment instead of treatment/evaluation by a licensed MD, DO or nurse practitioner, however since my symptoms this time were identical to the last time this happened, I felt I had nothing to lose.
annette030 replied to Mariel189's response:
As a retired RN (me, too) you should already be aware of good posture and body mechanics, etc.
Of course, you should do that, muscle strengthening exercises are also a great idea. An older ER doc I used to work with said if more people USED their bodies for physical work, the world would be a better place. There would be far less musculoskeletal pain because our bodies would be in better shape. I tend to agree with him.
Who you decide to see as far as MD, DO, RN, or DC is really up to you as it would be with any adult. We all have our own personal feelings about the differences between practitioners. Just do your own research and then decide what to do next.
Take care, Annette
Of course, you should do that, muscle strengthening exercises are also a great idea. An older ER doc I used to work with said if more people USED their bodies for physical work, the world would be a better place. There would be far less musculoskeletal pain because our bodies would be in better shape. I tend to agree with him.
Who you decide to see as far as MD, DO, RN, or DC is really up to you as it would be with any adult. We all have our own personal feelings about the differences between practitioners. Just do your own research and then decide what to do next.
Take care, Annette
Report This| Share this:Question about rib painAs a retired RN (me, too) you should already be aware of good posture and body mechanics, etc. <br /><br />Of course, you should do that, muscle strengthening exercises are also a great idea. An older ER doc I used to work with said if more people USED their bodies for physical work, the world would be a better place. There would be far less musculoskeletal pain because our bodies would be in better shape. I tend to agree with him.<br /><br />Who you decide to see as far as MD, DO, RN, or DC is really up to you as it would be with any adult. We all have our own personal feelings about the differences between practitioners. Just do your own research and then decide what to do next.<br /><br />Take care, Annette
Mariel189 replied to annette030's response:
"As a retired RN (me, too) you should already be aware of good posture and body mechanics, etc." I am and was that necessary? It's part of the drill all health professionals give after a musculoskeletal injury.
As I explained to him, I hardly think bending from chair level to retrieve a paper from the floor would cause this type of injury. I am physically active and not a sedentary couch potato. He said that didn't matter, it had to do with age more than physical condition. So, off to the PT I go for strengthening exercises for my chest and back.
Thanks again for your help, but please reserve the judgements.
As I explained to him, I hardly think bending from chair level to retrieve a paper from the floor would cause this type of injury. I am physically active and not a sedentary couch potato. He said that didn't matter, it had to do with age more than physical condition. So, off to the PT I go for strengthening exercises for my chest and back.
Thanks again for your help, but please reserve the judgements.
Report This| Share this:Question about rib pain"As a retired RN (me, too) you should already be aware of good posture and body mechanics, etc." I am and was that necessary? It's part of the drill all health professionals give after a musculoskeletal injury.<br /><br />As I explained to him, I hardly think bending from chair level to retrieve a paper from the floor would cause this type of injury. I am physically active and not a sedentary couch potato. He said that didn't matter, it had to do with age more than physical condition. So, off to the PT I go for strengthening exercises for my chest and back.<br /><br />Thanks again for your help, but please reserve the judgements.
annette030 replied to Mariel189's response:
Sorry for the miscommunication, it was not a judgement at all.
I knew a woman who injured her back bad enough to need surgery by sitting in her desk chair and picking up a pencil on the floor. She was in her late 20s, early 30s I think. The doctor told her it was just the wrong angle to bend at, not the weight of the pencil. Whatever....
I hope you feel better soon.
Take care, Annette
I knew a woman who injured her back bad enough to need surgery by sitting in her desk chair and picking up a pencil on the floor. She was in her late 20s, early 30s I think. The doctor told her it was just the wrong angle to bend at, not the weight of the pencil. Whatever....
I hope you feel better soon.
Take care, Annette
Report This| Share this:Question about rib painSorry for the miscommunication, it was not a judgement at all.<br /><br />I knew a woman who injured her back bad enough to need surgery by sitting in her desk chair and picking up a pencil on the floor. She was in her late 20s, early 30s I think. The doctor told her it was just the wrong angle to bend at, not the weight of the pencil. Whatever....<br /><br />I hope you feel better soon.<br /><br />Take care, Annette
Klslns8483 responded:
It really could be costochondritis. I've had it for years due to a rib chondroma (very rare benign tumor). I can't take NSAIDS so I usually get opiates. Just found out earlier this week that the pain I have (also told I have nerve pain) will be with me for life. Hopefully this is not true for you. When it first started bothering me I could take tylenol, but now I have to take opiates to at least take the edge off. I say don't give up. Keep going to the doctor. I've seen a Cardio Thoracic doc and a Thoracic Oncologist. Just don't give up.
Report This| Share this:Question about rib painIt really could be costochondritis. I've had it for years due to a rib chondroma (very rare benign tumor). I can't take NSAIDS so I usually get opiates. Just found out earlier this week that the pain I have (also told I have nerve pain) will be with me for life. Hopefully this is not true for you. When it first started bothering me I could take tylenol, but now I have to take opiates to at least take the edge off. I say don't give up. Keep going to the doctor. I've seen a Cardio Thoracic doc and a Thoracic Oncologist. Just don't give up.
Featuring Experts
David N. Maine, MD is the director of the Center for Interventional Pain Medicine at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. Maine graduated with a degree ...More
Helpful Tips
FYI
Web MD allows us the opportunity to post a bit about our history in the "About Me" section on our profile. Please be aware that this info ... More
Was this Helpful?
1
of
1 found this helpful
Helpful Resources
Related News
Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Other Pain Management Information
More Related Communities
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
About WebMD Advertise With Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Site Map Careers Contact Us
First Aid WebMD Magazine WebMD Health Record WebMD Mobile Newsletters Dictionary Physician Directory
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.