Rib Ache, Please Help!

[smileypeach]

Hello! I am a 30 year old female that has been experiencing a very dull and gnagging pain in my right rib area for about 3 weeks. My shoulder also has some discomfort and at times my armpit hurts as well along with the posterior side of my right armpit. This pain is not constant nor is it severe, just enough to make me worry. At times I feel like there is a general heaviness in this area and sometimes feels like a mild burning. The discomfort is not effected by movement, breathing or touch. This pain is very elusive to me and it is bothering me to no end. My doctor did a chest X-ray and said everything looks good and says that it is a pinched nerve. Would the X-ray have shown anything serious?  I had chiropractic work done and the discomfort still remains. What do you suggest as my next step? What does this sound like to you? I am so scared and confused. Could it be just something musculoskeletal or does it sound more serious? Please give me some advice and I will continue to follow-up with my doctor!
Smiley

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The x-ray would determine if there was any bony or musculoskeletal causes of your pain.  

If the symptoms continue, gallbladder or liver disease can also present like this.  An abdominal ultrasound should be considered if this is suspected.

If negative, an upper endoscopy or upper GI series can be considered to evaluate these symptoms.

This can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b

[Kabby]

I am another sufferer of the achy, pain, pressure and discomfort under the left rib cage. Ive experienced this on and off for just over 12 months and have been extremely concerned as this is not normal for me. I to have a moderately severe case of Scoliosis. My job in the past 3 years has been in front of a computer. Ive had a few tests recommended by my GP such as an endoscopy, xrays including the MRI, Blood tests and to date just like the majority of sufferers, have got no answers. It appears to be so common and that very little is known. Thats the part I don't like. BUT....my Mother Inlaw had a similar problem and suggested taking some Psyllium Husk every night whether or not Im constipated so my bowel motions are good and guess what...in the morning I had to use the toilet and after being awake for about a half hour I realised the rib ache had almost disappeared. With regular Psyllium Husk it now stays away. I mix 2 tablespoons in a tall glass of water and drink some then add more water, stir and drink some more, then plenty of water after that, until I've had enough water I guess. But please note: that's me and the way I take it. This has helped me so much while I'm waiting for answers.

[Kabby]

Hi, its me again. Just had some afterthought since my last comment posted. I am 39 y.o. Regardless of the 45 to 50 degree Scoliosis that I have, to look at, I feel and look like a normal looking female. I'm not real clever at this medical stuff, but I just wonder, given that an endoscopy proved to be fine along with other tests,..... Is it possible that given my skeleton already has deformity issues and more to the point of sitting at a computer all day long with not good posture due to the length of time in the seat. Could food stuff become semi blocked in the intestine that is at the bottom of the left rib cage or thereabouts causing the ache and pressure??????? 'Cause taking something regularly to move the bowels much more freely becomes total relief. The only answer I received once before for asking a GP this question was "I can't see how but if it works then that's fine". Would anyone else with this rib problem think along these lines ??? Maybe this is a sign of the times. Being inactive physically for long periods of time and the intestines not coping.