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How Can pain And Soreness In The Rib Cage Be Treated?
I have been having pain in my ribs, between my shoulder blades and around to my sides then from under my arms down to just above my waist. The pain is like sore achy feeling and is gradually getting worse. When I take a deep breath it s like I have a tight band around my torso just below my chest. There is no pain associated with breathing just in my ribs (back and sides). I am 58 and have a stint in my heart but not in a major artery.
Fri, 7 Apr 2017
Hello Dear. Rib cage pain may be sharp, dull, or achy and felt at or below the chest or above the navel on either side. It may occur after an obvious injury or without explanation.
Rib cage pain can be due to anything from pulled muscles to a rib fracture. This pain may occur immediately upon injury or develop slowly over time. It can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
Some common causes are as follows
1. broken ribs
2. injuries to the chest
3. rib fractures
4. diseases that affect the bones, such as osteoporosis
5. inflammation of the lining of the lungs
6. muscle spasms
7. inflamed rib cartilage
Diagnosis:
An X-ray can show evidence of fractures or abnormalities in the bones. If there are any abnormalities on your X-ray, such as an abnormal growth, your doctor will order a soft tissue imaging scan, such as an MRI. An MRI scan gives the doctor a detailed view of the rib cage and surrounding muscles, organs, and tissue.
If your pain is chronic, your doctor may order a bone scan.
Treatment:
The recommended treatment for rib cage pain depends on the cause of the pain. If the rib cage pain is due to a minor injury such as a pulled muscle or bruise you can use a cold compress on the area to reduce swelling. If you’re in significant pain, you can also take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).
If over-the-counter medicine doesn't relieve pain from an injury, your doctor can prescribe other medications. You may also receive a compression wrap. A compression wrap is a large, elastic bandage that wraps around your chest. The compression wrap holds the area tightly to prevent further injury and greater pain. However, these wraps are necessary in rare cases because the tightness of the compression wrap makes it difficult to breathe.
If there is any other underlying medical condition specific treatment has to be given for it.
Hope i have answered your question. Feel free to contact me if you have any more questions. I ll be glad to help you.
All the best
With warm regards
Dr Sanjay Kini
Rib cage pain can be due to anything from pulled muscles to a rib fracture. This pain may occur immediately upon injury or develop slowly over time. It can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
Some common causes are as follows
1. broken ribs
2. injuries to the chest
3. rib fractures
4. diseases that affect the bones, such as osteoporosis
5. inflammation of the lining of the lungs
6. muscle spasms
7. inflamed rib cartilage
Diagnosis:
An X-ray can show evidence of fractures or abnormalities in the bones. If there are any abnormalities on your X-ray, such as an abnormal growth, your doctor will order a soft tissue imaging scan, such as an MRI. An MRI scan gives the doctor a detailed view of the rib cage and surrounding muscles, organs, and tissue.
If your pain is chronic, your doctor may order a bone scan.
Treatment:
The recommended treatment for rib cage pain depends on the cause of the pain. If the rib cage pain is due to a minor injury such as a pulled muscle or bruise you can use a cold compress on the area to reduce swelling. If you’re in significant pain, you can also take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).
If over-the-counter medicine doesn't relieve pain from an injury, your doctor can prescribe other medications. You may also receive a compression wrap. A compression wrap is a large, elastic bandage that wraps around your chest. The compression wrap holds the area tightly to prevent further injury and greater pain. However, these wraps are necessary in rare cases because the tightness of the compression wrap makes it difficult to breathe.
If there is any other underlying medical condition specific treatment has to be given for it.
Hope i have answered your question. Feel free to contact me if you have any more questions. I ll be glad to help you.
All the best
With warm regards
Dr Sanjay Kini
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