Rib cage pain

• bruised, cracked, or fractured rib
• costochondritis (inflammation of cartilage near the breastbone)
• osteoporosis (mostly in women)
• pleurisy (the pain is worse when breathing deeply)

Note: There may be other causes of rib cage pain. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for rib cage pain, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
Rest and immobilization is the best cure for a rib cage fracture .

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

• the pain is persistent, prolonged or unexplained.

What to Expect:
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 ) while a sharp pain is usually rib pain.

• 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:

• a chest X-ray
• a bone scan (if cancer is suspected)

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.


A rib.