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Rib
Rib

Rib cage pain
Definition:
Any pain or discomfort in the area of the rib cage. See also chest pain.

Alternative Names:
Pain - rib cage

Considerations:
With a broken rib, the pain is aggravated by bending and twisting the torso. With pleurisy (swelling of the lining of the lungs), it is not.
Common Causes:
  • bruised, cracked, or fractured rib
  • costochondritis (inflammation of cartilage near the breastbone)
  • osteoporosis (mostly in women)
  • pleurisy (the pain is worse when breathing deeply)
Home Care:
Rest and immobilization is the best cure for a rib cage fracture.
Call your health care provider if:
  • the pain is persistent, prolonged, or unexplained.
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting rib cage pain in detail may include:
  • time pattern
    • When did the pain develop?
    • Is it present all the time?
    • Is it getting worse?
  • quality
    • How would you describe the pain?
    • Is it a sharp or stabbing sensation?
    • Does it feel like pulling or grabbing?
    • Does it ache like a bruise?
    • Is it a crushing pain?
    • Does it feel like pressure or heaviness?
    • Note: crushing, pressure, or heaviness may be signs of serious chest pain (angina or heart attack).
  • location
    • Exactly where is the pain?
    • Is it only on one side?
    • Is it the same on both sides?
  • aggravating factors
    • Is the pain worse when bending or twisting?
    • Is it worse when coughing?
    • Is it worse when breathing deeply?
    • Has there been an injury to the chest?
  • other
    • What other symptoms are also present?
Physical examination may include emphasis on the lungs and chest cavity.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include: After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to rib cage pain, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.
Review Date: 12/3/2001
Reviewed By: Steven Angelo, M.D. Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Hospital of Saint Raphael, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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