pain in right rib area, right back

Several months ago I was running on the treadmill and pulled my hip flexor.  It was a little sore but I continued to run and work out.  For the past 2 1/2 months I have been having intermittent pain radiating from my right mid back, wrapping around to the front of my abdomen under the right ribs.  At times it seems like the pain is also to the right of my belly button.  It is not a severe pain, more so just a dull naggy, burning discomfort.  I had my gallbadder out about 12 or so years ago.  I also do not have my appendix or my right ovary and fallopian tube.  I had blood work done, liver function tests, CMP, CBC, LDH, GGT/GGTP, Amylase and Lipase, complete urinalysis...all negative.  I also had a abdominal ultrasound, also negative.

I am concerned.  I have had no change in bowel habits, no weight loss.  I have tried chiropractic and also massage therapy.  The massage therapy seems to help some.  I was wondering if it could be linked to me not having a gallbladder, Fibromyalgia, Myofascial or something with the colon.

Thank you

[J.M. Keyes, MD]

Hi Terri,
It sounds like you have had a pretty extensive workup that hasn't shown anything yet.  The only other thing you may consider (maybe your doctor has also already ruled it out) is the possibility of a urinary tract infection/pyleonephritis, although that would not likely be intermittent, and you would probably have some urinary symptoms with it.  Also, you may want to ask if they specifically looked for kidney stones on your ultrasound.

The fact that there is some relief with massage makes me think it most likely muscular in nature.  It sounds like you are quite active, and so you may have pulled some intercostal muscles.  I would continue with the massage, and a trial of anti-inflammatories (taken regularly for a week or 2 to see if they help when used consistently).  I know that it can be difficult to take time off when you are regular exerciser, but you should also rest for a couple of weeks to give any muscle strain time to heal.

If this isn't helping, or your symptoms are changing or worsening, make sure to follow up with your MD.

Hope you are feeling better.

JMK MD