Smileband health topics

Rib cage pain may be sharp, dull, or achy and felt at or below the chest or above the navel on either side. It may occur after an obvious injury or without explanation.

Rib cage pain can be due to anything from pulled muscles to a rib fracture. This pain may occur immediately upon injury or develop slowly over time. It can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition, so you should report any instance of unexplainable rib cage pain to your doctor immediately.  

What causes rib cage pain?

The most common causes of rib cage pain are a pulled muscle or bruised ribs. Other causes of pain in the rib cage area are:

• broken ribs
• injuries to the chest
• rib fractures
• diseases that affect the bones, such as osteoporosis
• inflammation of the lining of the lungs
• muscle spasms
• inflamed rib cartilage 

  What causes rib cage pain?

  The most common causes of rib cage pain are a pulled muscle or bruised ribs. Other causes of pain in the rib cage area are:
  • broken ribs
  • injuries to the chest
  • rib fractures
  • diseases that affect the bones, such asosteoporosis
  • inflammation of the lining of the lungs
  • muscle spasms
  • inflamed rib cartilage  

    What are the treatment options for rib cage pain?

    The recommended treatment for rib cage pain depends on the cause of the pain. If the rib cage pain is due to a minor injury such as a pulled muscle or bruise you can use a cold compress on the area to reduce swelling. If you’re in significant pain, you can also take over-the-counter pain relievers such as  (Tylenol).
    If over-the-counter medicine doesn't relieve pain from an injury, your doctor can prescribe other medications. You may also receive a compression wrap A compression wrap is a large, elastic bandage that wraps around your chest. The compression  wrap holds the area tightly to prevent further injury and greater pain. However, these wraps are necessary in rare cases because the tightness of the compression wrap makes it difficult to breathe. This can increase your risk of pneumonia.