Serious Rib Pain

[Ness_is_a_mess]

For over 5 weeks I have been getting this very uncomfortable pain in my ribs which comes and goes.  Now that pain is travelling toward my back.  And I notice it whenever I move my arm or walk.  I tried to extend my left arm and I was literally on the floor trying to catch my breath because the pain hurt so bad. It makes it hard to breathe for a mini-second and then I am back to normal. I was just wondering what this could be.

I have taken some pain meds like Aleve which have not worked.

[Ness_is_a_mess]

But how long can the pains last?  For a month? Two?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

It can be ,muscular pain ,costochondritis or pain due to fibrofasciitis of subscapular area.

Apply some cold compresses and take some anti inflammatory pain reliever like diclofenac and some muscle relaxant.Application of topical muscle relaxant will also help.

If the symptoms persist then other possibilities like Tietze’s syndrome,injury to the ribs and fibromyalgia have to be ruled out.It will be best to consult an orthopedician in that case.

Hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.