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What Causes Spreading Pain In Lower Rib Cages, Back Sides And Dark Stools?
Question: I have pain in the lower part of both rib cages spreading up my back at both sides, the pain is worst on the RHS and i cant sleep on this side as a result, also my stool color has been quite dark for the last couple of weeks and feel constipated at times... my mouth is dry and i have being treating this with daktarin, have being to my doc and bloods and urine seem to be fine.
Best regards
XXXX
Best regards
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Detailed clinical examination and investigations.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: Male/48 - consulted a Doctor - waiting for ultrasonography - taking OTC painkillers and lots of water - blood and urine tests seem fine - pain in both sides - lower parts of rib cages spreading up at the back at both sides - worst on RHS and can not sleep on that side - dark stools for couple of weeks - constipation at times -dry mouth - suing Daktarin...
On studying your history the most probable causes I can think of are:
- Local problems of the lower ribs like costochondritis, hence unable to sleep on right side due to the pain being increasing on compression on the affected ribs.
- Can be due to nerve compression on both the sides the right one giving parasthesia.
- Colitis, but the pain does not spread to the back.
- Problems of the lower part of the lungs or pleura.
I would advise in addition to what has been done or ultrasound:
- X-ray of the chest.
- Tests of stool (bloods and urine you have already been done and are normal).
- CT scan of the lower chest and upper abdomen including the study of spine and if required the MRI of the spine to see if there is any disc prolapse or so.
- Continue with the medicines are are taking
- Wait for the results.
It is possible that diagnosis needs the clinical examination like local examination of the affected area for local swelling, tenderness on pressure and so on.
I hope this answer help you to get an early and proper diagnosis, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Detailed clinical examination and investigations.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: Male/48 - consulted a Doctor - waiting for ultrasonography - taking OTC painkillers and lots of water - blood and urine tests seem fine - pain in both sides - lower parts of rib cages spreading up at the back at both sides - worst on RHS and can not sleep on that side - dark stools for couple of weeks - constipation at times -dry mouth - suing Daktarin...
On studying your history the most probable causes I can think of are:
- Local problems of the lower ribs like costochondritis, hence unable to sleep on right side due to the pain being increasing on compression on the affected ribs.
- Can be due to nerve compression on both the sides the right one giving parasthesia.
- Colitis, but the pain does not spread to the back.
- Problems of the lower part of the lungs or pleura.
I would advise in addition to what has been done or ultrasound:
- X-ray of the chest.
- Tests of stool (bloods and urine you have already been done and are normal).
- CT scan of the lower chest and upper abdomen including the study of spine and if required the MRI of the spine to see if there is any disc prolapse or so.
- Continue with the medicines are are taking
- Wait for the results.
It is possible that diagnosis needs the clinical examination like local examination of the affected area for local swelling, tenderness on pressure and so on.
I hope this answer help you to get an early and proper diagnosis, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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