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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Treat Recurring Stabbing Pain On Rib Area?

Hi- wonder if you can help. I have had, for the past 3 or 4 days, a recurring stabbing pain, which moves around. Worst when at lower left rib area, towards side, around 3 rib up from bottom, but also moves to pectoral area (less stabbing) either directly above or below nipple area - am male, 38 in good general health, bp & heart ok
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Thu, 15 Nov 2018 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 19 Nov 2018 Last reviewed on
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Neurologist,  's  Response
Hi,

As you are in a good general health and you did not mention a history of trauma, this is almost certainly a benign and self-limiting problem.

The most common cause of your problem is a local spasm or a trigger point in the muscles between the ribs (intercostal muscles).

This is not a serious problem and usually resolves after 1-2 weeks or less.

If the problem persists for more than 2 weeks, I advise to take a plain x-ray and look at the rib bones (most probably will not be necessary).

Meanwhile, you can look for a possible source of the pain by palpating all the areas at lower rib region.

If you found a tender spot, you can use local heat as well as gentle massaging (better with a relaxing gel such as Mineral Ice gel (or any gel that has Menthol in it)).

Again, this could be self-limiting but it persists for more than 2 weeks a more detailed exam, as well as an X-ray, could be necessary.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Hooman Mahmoudi, Neurologist
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How To Treat Recurring Stabbing Pain On Rib Area?

Hi, As you are in a good general health and you did not mention a history of trauma, this is almost certainly a benign and self-limiting problem. The most common cause of your problem is a local spasm or a trigger point in the muscles between the ribs (intercostal muscles). This is not a serious problem and usually resolves after 1-2 weeks or less. If the problem persists for more than 2 weeks, I advise to take a plain x-ray and look at the rib bones (most probably will not be necessary). Meanwhile, you can look for a possible source of the pain by palpating all the areas at lower rib region. If you found a tender spot, you can use local heat as well as gentle massaging (better with a relaxing gel such as Mineral Ice gel (or any gel that has Menthol in it)). Again, this could be self-limiting but it persists for more than 2 weeks a more detailed exam, as well as an X-ray, could be necessary. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Hooman Mahmoudi, Neurologist