What Causes Sudden Sharp Pain Under The Ribs On Left Side?

Posted on Thu, 23 Jun 2016

Question: I was putting my hair up into a ponytail in my car when I got a severe sharp pain under my ribs on my left side of my back. It has been three days since then and the pain has not subsided. There is a steady pain which is tolerable, but any movement of my torso causes a severe shooting pain that goes from my back under my left rib cage to the front that literally takes my breath away. I tried to maintain my usual gym schedule but even walking worsens it. I can barely sleep, the pain is terrible laying down as well. I cannot take a deep breath either. I have not went to a doctor yet because I have no fever and am not nauseous and it is not gas or acid reflex. The only symptom is the pain everything else is normal.

Answered by Dr. Harish Naik (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Muscle strain, analgesic

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome.
I have gone through your query.

Based on the information I feel it is likely to be muscle strain.
You should take NSAID like Aceclofenac with muscle relaxants like Chlorzoxazone/ Tizanidine twice daily for 3-5 days based on the response. You can ask your local doctor for prescription of this agent. Along with this hot compression and analgesic gel or spray will be beneficial. Also give rest and avoid gym or any activities that aggravates the pain. This will help you.

This provisional advice provided by me is based entirely on the input provided to me. I would suggest examination by the doctor.

I hope this suggestion might be of some help to you. Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.

Take care.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee