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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Pain, Stabbing Sensation And Cramps Below The Ribs?

Iam experiencing pain, stabbing & cramping on my left side, just below my ribs. It has been of and on for the last few hours. I have had gallbladder attacks in the past that are similar, b but this time I don t feel the shoulder & neck pain I have always felt before. Also there is gurgling and rumbling I can feel and hear at the point where the pain is coming from.
Mon, 23 Mar 2015
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for your query.
Left side chest pain is what we are always afraid of as heart issues can give such symptom.
However if the pain has appeared suddenly with shortness of breath and someradiation to the arm, pneumothorax is possible. This condition can appear with no reason. Sometimes sudden cough or sudden lift of heavy object can cause it. It is more possible if you smoke or have chronic lungs disease like asthma or bronchitis.
If nothing like that is present, strained muscle is the most probable reason. Strained muscle usually appears only when the chest is moving, and should be completely gone when lying down and not breathing.
If the pain is sharp and well localized, more intense when breathing, rib nerve issue is the most probable reason.

I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.
Take care
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What Causes Pain, Stabbing Sensation And Cramps Below The Ribs?

Hi, Thanks for your query. Left side chest pain is what we are always afraid of as heart issues can give such symptom. However if the pain has appeared suddenly with shortness of breath and someradiation to the arm, pneumothorax is possible. This condition can appear with no reason. Sometimes sudden cough or sudden lift of heavy object can cause it. It is more possible if you smoke or have chronic lungs disease like asthma or bronchitis. If nothing like that is present, strained muscle is the most probable reason. Strained muscle usually appears only when the chest is moving, and should be completely gone when lying down and not breathing. If the pain is sharp and well localized, more intense when breathing, rib nerve issue is the most probable reason. I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care