What Causes Pain Under The Rib Cage After Sit Ups?

Posted on Mon, 24 Aug 2015

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

Mon, 24 Aug 2015 Answered on

Mon, 14 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi. I've noticed that I cannot do sit-ups anymore. Whenever I do I don't have pain in abdomen but rather a shooting pain right where my lower ribs first start to connect in the middle like its pinching a muscle or tendon every single time I try. Never used to have this problem. I'm only 25 and feel like I shouldn't be having much physical problems

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It can be muscle related pain

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case. I think that this pain is due to muscle pull. It can be caused by sudden staining which might have occurred due to squat.
Before I advised you any thing I would like to know little detail about this illness.
1.Since when you are having this pain?
2. Is this pain also present during rest?
3. Can you describe nature of pain ?
please send me answers of these questions. I will try my best to help you. thanks

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (1 hour later)

I've noticed it whenever I attempt sit ups for a few months at least which seems to long to have been from a pulled muscle. I only notice it when I move that certain way like leaning up such as sit ups no matter my arm position. It only occurs when I'm sitting up from being completely flat. It's like a sudden shooting pain just below my ribs in the center.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Muscles are not healing

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
pulled muscles can be causing pain for long time because you are continously doing sits up. I would recommend you to stop it for one month. Also take muscle relaxant like myoril or myospaz daily.
Hot water fomentation and volitran ointment is also helpful.
if then also this pain continue then you need to get ultrasound examination.
I hope this answer will be useful for you. let me know if there is any other followup questions.

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (3 hours later)

I haven't been trying constantly. I just did the other day for the first time on a month with the same outcome

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
muscles injuries takes time in healing

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Muscles injuries takes time in healing. So you should wait for some more time. if you are feeling anxious then you should get a ultrasound of the abdomen to rule out any other problem.
I hope this answer will be useful for you.Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thanks

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