What Causes Intermittent Pain In The Ribs

Posted on Tue, 31 May 2016

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

Tue, 31 May 2016 Answered on

Thu, 30 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a minor intermitent pain between my 5 and 5th rib near the sturnum. Sometimes a little below my breath on the right and also near the sturnum. I did a stress test less than a year ago...very good. And, just did blood panel a month ago...good.

Its not a bad pain but happens a few times daily for about one week

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Unlikely to be related to the heart!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this pain and all the inconveniences this must have caused you. I have reviewed this information fully and it is suggestive of a mechanical pain. That is why it can happen for a week and give way only to return later. If this pain were related to the heart, your laboratory investigations would have been suggestive and the pain would be ;ore likely provoked by exercise and relieved by rest. This is clearly not what you are dealing with. For this reason, I suggest that you take Ibuprofen whenever you have this pain for relief. All would be fine and you can continue with your daily routine and stay away from further worries.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be. Above all, thanks for using our services.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar