What Causes Recurring Rib Pain?

Posted on Sat, 25 Apr 2015

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

Sat, 25 Apr 2015 Answered on

Fri, 15 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I've had recurring rib pain for about a year. No blows or falls, but followed physical labor. Rib gets sore, then a cough, sneeze or twist brings on excruciating pain .I went to my doctor the first two times it happened. It's happened over half a dozen times. First I had a chest x-ray, second, a rib specific x-ray. Both were negative . Pain is sharp and stabbing. My rib moves and "pops". It improves over several weeks to months and I will think it's healed, but when I become more active it starts all over again. The pain is felt in a rib about 4 to 5 inches below left armpit, roughly the middle of the rib

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Start wearing chest belt, calcium and vitamin d3 supplements.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your situation and problem.
In my opinion you are mostly having calcium and vitamin d3 deficiency as a cause for recurrent rib pain on exertion.
So start supplements of calcium and vitamin d3.
Also wear chest belt while doing heavy exertion.
Avoid heavyweight lifting and strenuous exercise.
Avoid painful movements.
Avoid bad postures in sleep.
Apply warm water pad on affected site.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.

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