Suggest Treatment For Sharp Pain In The Ribs

Posted on Thu, 6 Apr 2017

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

Thu, 6 Apr 2017 Answered on

Thu, 27 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I went to my chiropractor yesterday and during my adjustment, I experienced a sudden, sharp pain in my left mid-rib area, radiating to my sternum. Initially, the pain was severe, but it did ease off. In the past hour, I have begun to experience pain again in the area, tender to touch, some pain on inspiration. Do I need to worry about this? I don't have insurance, so a trip to a doc is out of the question. Need your advice.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Jolanda (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Keep monitoring the pain

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking in HCM

I can understand your concern

As per the history you've provided, it seems to me that it might be a muscle contraction. Usually, it lasts for some days and painkillers improve the situation.You can use them (like paracetamol every 4 hours or ibuprofen every 6 hours ).

If the pain get worse and you will feel breathlessness, then this is not a good sign and it will be better to go to the nearby ER to get prompt medical help. ER doctor will order the following tests:

Chest X-Ray
12 lead-ECG
Troponin CKMB
D-dimer
CRP

The above are for exploring cardiac or lung problems that can cause such sharp pain. After having the result the doctor will decide further for the necessary treatment accordingly.

So please continue taking rest, pain-killer and ice compression while keep monitoring the pain carefully.

Take care and feel free to ask me again

Dr.Jolanda

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee