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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severe Pain And Spasms Around The Rib Cage?

Hello. I don t think this is in the realm of pulminology as I m very sure it s not a lung condition but here goes. I m a 50 year old male and for the last year or two, if I get cold enough to shiver or if I stretch too far (like reaching around behind me), my ribs will hurt badly. It s not related to breathing as it doesn t increase or decrease as my chest expands and contracts and it s not a muscle strain as it goes away almost immediately when my shivering stops or when I return to a normal position from twisting. It s a tremendously sharp pain like a charlie horse that affects almost entirely both sides of my rib cage and it comes on immediately when I begin shivering or stretch too far but then very quickly subsides as either I warm up or I return to a more normal posture following stretching. This pain can be excruciating! Any ideas? Thanks!
posted on Mon, 8 Jan 2018
Twitter Tue, 26 Jun 2018 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 28 Jun 2018 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

I can understand the discomfort that you feel when you have this type of pain. Try to stay warm for otherwise your symptoms may get triggered. Please check out your BP. Sometimes its flatulence-gas that may cause such discomfort. You can take Pantoprazol once daily to feel better. Take plenty of water & fiber, make sure you are not constipated. If you get relieve then fine, if not you can have a chest X-ray done to rule out any lung disorder, depending upon the report you may have to go for other investigations as well. Since you are 50, it is good to have a cardiac check up, sometimes sharp pain is experienced due to MI, at this stage of life it is important for you to rule out any developing coronary artery disease. Eat health & stay away from all junk food.

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

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What Causes Severe Pain And Spasms Around The Rib Cage?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. I can understand the discomfort that you feel when you have this type of pain. Try to stay warm for otherwise your symptoms may get triggered. Please check out your BP. Sometimes its flatulence-gas that may cause such discomfort. You can take Pantoprazol once daily to feel better. Take plenty of water & fiber, make sure you are not constipated. If you get relieve then fine, if not you can have a chest X-ray done to rule out any lung disorder, depending upon the report you may have to go for other investigations as well. Since you are 50, it is good to have a cardiac check up, sometimes sharp pain is experienced due to MI, at this stage of life it is important for you to rule out any developing coronary artery disease. Eat health & stay away from all junk food. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.