What Does Severe Pain And Popping Sound Near Rib Cage While Exercising Suggest?

Posted on Tue, 19 May 2015

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

Tue, 19 May 2015 Answered on

Mon, 8 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I was working out on a type of leg press machine about 9 days ago and as I allowed my legs to bend toward my chest, there was a pop in my lower right side rib cage area. The pain was not severe but something clearlyt happened. I finished my workout but avoided any other leg press situations. I have not exercised since but have different levels of pain on different days. Now I am back in my office and after I have sat for a while, I am quite uncomfortable when I get up in the same lower rib area. I sleep ok and everything else if functioning as normal. What have I done to myself?

Answered by Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Muscle tear possible, fracture unlikely, sport break, nsaid medication

Detailed Answer:
Dear patient,

this can be a torn muscle, a rib fracture is very unlikely from that move. In both cases therapy would include sports pause and ibuprofen or similar nsaid medication as advised by your local doc.
With this your symptoms should usually improve within 2-3 weeks.

Hope this is helping you , if you have any clarificatons you can get back to me, if this was helpful please kindly rate my answer. Best regards

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

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