What Causes Pressure And Tenderness Under Rib Cage?

Posted on Fri, 24 Apr 2015

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

Fri, 24 Apr 2015 Answered on

Fri, 15 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been have a feeling of pressure under my lower left rib cage that is worse when I sit I can't say that it is painful but it is there and It is not normal .The first time I felt it was a couple months ago and it went away for a while but now it has been constant for 2 weeks I have tried a laxative and I don't think it is constipation. If I push under rib I is a little tender . I have recently been told that I'm diabetic .I'm 50 years old male

Answered by Dr. Vasudha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Investigations & physician's advise/ lifestyle changes would help.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for the query under HCM .
The pain/ discomfort you have under your left rib cage that aggravats in sitting posture can arise from irritation of diaphragm by various causes . Which range From.. simple indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, hyper acidity . To problems of spleen,some lung problems, osteoporosis causing weakness of ribs, some times heart problem .
(Diabetes is known to cause less intestinal movements leading to more gas formation/constipation/ digestion problems ).
* The pain therefore needs to be investigated in detail & consulted by an expert physician to pin point the cause & get specific treatment.
A through physical examination is followed by -
Various investigations like complete blood count Serum calcium/vitaminD, Xray, USG, Barium meal test, stool examination, ECG are done as per need.
* Specific Treatment depends on the reason found
In this context, I would advise you to consult a Physician & get the advise & be under his care.
* Self help- A healthy life style with having small 3-4 hourly serving of food with high fiber & less starch( according to dietitian's advise) / Drink plenty of water through out the day. / Regular permitted exercises,/ yoga exercises, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques/ daily walk with moderate speed as per physician's advise / sound sleep/ good bowel habits /positive thinking .
Thus , an expert physicians advise & ideal life style would solve your problem . I hope you found the answer informative & guiding.Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.

Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj