Why Do I Have Worsening Middle Left Pain Under My Ribs Radiating To The Back?

Posted on Mon, 28 May 2018

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

Mon, 28 May 2018 Answered on

Mon, 1 Apr 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : My left middle side under my ribs, wrapping around to my back has been really hurting me. It’s worse in the mornings for some reason. It started Thursday basically. Ibuprofen does nothing for the pain. I’ve tried natural supplements as well. Like turmeric and some apple cider vinegar cleanse with vitamin C. It seems to be getting worse. Any suggestions?

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please give additional information.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Noted the history well and understood the concerns.
Please give additional information for me to assist you better:
Is there any change in the skin like rash?
Any local swelling?
Any particular movement that instigate or enhance the pain?
Any history of trauma locally where the pain is or the back?

Awaiting.

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

Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)

There is no rash on my skin or swelling. There is some tenderness/soreness when pressing on the site however. I have not had any trauma to this area or any area of my body for that matter. And I do not notice that there is any movement that increases the pain. I just notice it is worse pain when I wake up in the morning and it usually wakes me up. I have awful muscle fatigue all over and often vomit in the morning from the pain. I also have decreased appetite.
Thank you, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
As detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.
The most probable causes I can think about are:
Gastritis.
Costochondritis.

Please try a PPI like Omeprazole, Antacid and domperidone.
Go for soft bland diet; small frequent feeds.
Control of stress and/or anxiety.
Stop Ibuprofen as it is not helping anyway and can cause gastritis or increase it.

Use these and give feedback.
If the pain persists, the cause needs to be found out by an appropriate clinical evaluation, examination and relevant investigations.

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