I Have Been Having Pain In Left Side Upper Rib That Comes And Goes

Posted on Mon, 26 Apr 2021

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 Answered on

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello 49 year old women here just wondering I have been having pain in left side upper rib that comes and goes .on and off for months no other symptoms I had done blood work previously in the year I am wondering if this could be caused by fybromyalgia or costochondritis which I do suffer from or perhaps my ibs ? Hurts at times to touch I have been applying heat

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answer

Detailed Answer:
Hi there

Thanks for the query

There could be various causes for the pain near the ribs, likely musculoskeletal in nature as it is tender to touch. It can arise due to sleeping position, costochondritis. Fibromyalgia may also be a possible cause.

I would advise you to apply ice packs or warm packs, whichever works best atleast 4-5 times a day. Analgesics like Ibuprofen or Paracetamol will also help. If the pain does not subside in a couple of weeks, you may find benefit from Physiotherapy. Do get X-ray of the chest at that time to look for anything out of the ordinary.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad