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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Recurring Left-sided Pain In The Rib Cage Indicate?

Last year I started getting zapping pains in my right side in rib cage area..I thought was spazems..heating pad helped, cold compress made is terribly worse. Almost like I was being electrocuted. Went to hospital and was told it was shingles s, internally. Fast forward to now, my left side has a bad pain in rib cage.. and come and goes in severity.. but it remains in one spot.. and cold water make it way worse.. what could this be?
Mon, 3 Sep 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Based on your description, the pain is neurological in origin, it is neuralgia- nerve related pain. Shingles is one cause of neuralgia. Other causes include diabetes, trauma to the nerves in the area, e.g., arthritis, low levels of Vitamin B12 and folate, thyroid disease, neurological conditions such as MS.

Blood tests would be needed to rule out other causes. Medications are available that may help, e.g., Lyrica, Tegretol, and Amitriptyline.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James
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What Does Recurring Left-sided Pain In The Rib Cage Indicate?

Hi, Based on your description, the pain is neurological in origin, it is neuralgia- nerve related pain. Shingles is one cause of neuralgia. Other causes include diabetes, trauma to the nerves in the area, e.g., arthritis, low levels of Vitamin B12 and folate, thyroid disease, neurological conditions such as MS. Blood tests would be needed to rule out other causes. Medications are available that may help, e.g., Lyrica, Tegretol, and Amitriptyline. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Michelle Gibson James