Health Encyclopedia

Ribcage pain

Definition

Ribcage pain includes any pain or discomfort in the area of the ribs.

Alternative Names

Pain - ribcage

Considerations

With a broken rib, the pain is worse when bending and twisting the body. This movement does not cause the pain in someone who has pleurisy (swelling of the lining of the lungs) or muscle spasms.

Causes

Ribcage pain may be caused by any of the following:

Bruised, cracked, or fractured rib
Inflammation of cartilage near the breastbone (costochondritis)
Osteoporosis
Pleurisy (the pain is worse when breathing deeply)

Home Care

Rest and not moving the area (immobilization) are the best cures for a rib fracture.

Follow your health care provider's instructions for treating the cause of ribcage pain.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider for an appointment if you do not know the cause of the pain, or if it does not go away.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your provider may perform a physical examination. You'll likely be asked about your symptoms, such as when the pain started, its location, the kind of pain you're having, and what makes it worse.

Tests that may be ordered include:

Bone scan (if there is a known history of cancer or it is highly suspected)
Chest x-ray

Your provider may prescribe treatment for your ribcage pain. Treatment depends on the cause.

References

Jones H, Reynolds JH. Thoracic trauma and related topics. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, Gillard JH, Schaefer-Prokop CM, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 10.

Tzelepis GE, Gartman EJ, McCool FD. The respiratory system and chest wall diseases. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 98.

Review Date:2/2/2023
Reviewed By:Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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