Pain beneath the ribs can be confusing because this area houses several bones and muscles as well as organs. Rib cage pain could be as simple as a pulled muscle, but pain beneath the ribs could be the sign of numerous other medical issues.
Pain location, what aggravates the pain, and whether there are accompanying symptoms all provide important details. This article explains some of the most common reasons for pain in this area, when it’s time to promptly seek medical attention, and how other tests and imaging may help doctors identify the root of the pain.
Pain in the Rib Cage
Not all pain in this region is pain in the ribs. Muscles, nerves, cartilage, etc. may also be causing pain in this region.
Muscle Injury and Strain
Both a pulled abdominal or chest muscle and a pulled chest muscle may both hurt and be more evident after heavy lifting, coughing, or prolonged movement. Twisting, taking a deep breath, and placing pressure on the area will all aggravate the pain.
A blow directly to the chest may also cause a bruised or fractured rib. Rib fractures and bruised ribs will cause pain when breathing or moving and tend to be more severe.
Cartilage Pain (Costochondritis)
Pain caused by the inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone is called costochondritis. This pain typically occurs in a new window, radiates to the front of the chest, and is aggravated by movement and deep breathing.
Pain within the Rib Cage Caused by Digestive Issues
Sometimes upper abdominal pain feels like it is coming from the rib cage even though the pain is more likely to be originating in the digestive system. The digestive system normally resides below the lower ribs, so discomforts of the digestive system can be felt in the rib cage region.
Possible causes can be gas, indigestion, or irritation of the digestive and endocrine systems. Pain in the upper right abdomen can be caused by gallbladder discomfort, while upper middle abdomen discomfort can be caused by stomach conditions.
Rib cage pain can't be used to pin down the cause without other accompanying symptoms, so pain alone and its location should be used in combination with a medical evaluation to pin down the cause.
Other Respiratory/Pain Causes
Rib cage pain can be caused by issues in the lining around or in the lungs. Deep breathing or coughing can aggravate discomfort and the discomfort caused by respiratory infections.
The brain can also interpret discomfort outside the rib/upper abdomen regions and send pain signals to those regions.
When Is It Time to See a Doctor?
Go to the emergency room for severe or sudden pain that is accompanied with moderate/severe weakness, difficulty breathing, fainting, sweating, and/or chest discomfort that feels like severe heaviness/crushing.
If pain becomes chronic, frequent, or is present after a serious injury, or if it is coupled with other symptoms like fever, jaundice, persistent vomiting, and other concerning symptoms, you also need to go to the doctor.
When Is a CT Scan Used for Abdominal Pain?
A CT scan can be used to investigate a number of different conditions of the abdomen, such as organ problems, infections, inflammation, injuries, growths, or tumors. The scan can be done if other tests or procedures haven’t provided enough information or if more in-depth imaging is necessary.
There are a number of reasons why a CT scan for abdominal pain may not be necessary in every case. If a patient is having pain under their ribs, healthcare professionals may do an examination, take some blood, order an ultrasound, or even do other types of scans before ordering a CT scan.
Finding a Reliable Detailed Body Imaging Provider
For people interested in more advanced imaging, ViaScan in the United States offers a body scanning service to help people address concerns about their health. Imaging needs vary a lot, so a doctor would be able to answer that patient's need to find the scan that is appropriate for that particular symptom.
Some people have said that their experience with Via Scan was convenient or informative, but no imaging test should be interpreted on its own. If someone is experiencing upper abdominal pain, imaging results should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional who can consider the symptoms, medical history, and appropriate diagnostic tests.
Conclusion
There can be a lot of different causes for pain in the rib area, such as strain to the muscles, injuries to the ribs, and other problems with digestion or breathing. The causes can range from something fairly mild to something serious.
If symptoms are persistent and/or severe, or if you are otherwise distressed by your symptoms, you should go to the doctor to get yourself checked out. If scans are called for, your doctor can decide if a CT scan is warranted or if a different type of scan is warranted.
