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Rib cage pain on both sides. Anyone else experience this?
Lung Health | Last Active: Sep 5 12:31pm | Replies (18)Comment receiving replies
For the past few years I have had pain in my rib cage (from the bottom all the way to the top just below my armpit). Usually, I only feel it when I tap my rib cage, but recently it is happening on its own. It started towards the end of my time smoking, and it just never left. I fear it is permanent.
I have a 4cm hiatal hernia. I've also occasionally had random body aches which I felt could have been fibromyalgia (however I was never diagnosed with this even after thorough examinations).
Has anyone experienced this with a hiatal hernia? Any ideas of what this could be?
Again, it is on both sides, all the way up and down the rib cage. It is typically only when tapped but recently I have felt it on its own a bit more.
Replies to "For the past few years I have had pain in my rib cage (from the bottom..."
I have ribcage pain often. I believe it's part of my FIBRO flares.
I've seen that with pleurisy.
@jdbarr1 Welcome to Mayo Connect!
As you can see others have similar experience.
Did you ever have any tests or X-rays to evaluate this particular pain?
Fibromyalgia can show pain at different sites in the body.
It is very possible that this rib cage pain is connected to fibromyalgia flares. I have fibromyalgia and with flares I definitely also have issues with the GI tract.
There is a condition called costochondritis- there is inflammation where the rib joins the cartilage. It can be very painful when touched. It can come and go.
Do you get relief with painkillers?
I think costochondritis is very likely. The inflammation in the cartilage could flare up with other inflammation episodes. It’s not serious but can be painful. It should respond to anti inflammatory meds like ibuprofen or naproxen, both OTC, and a heating pad can help too. Pleurisy causes sharp chest pain when taking a deep breath. It’s not brought on by touching or pressing on the rib cage but that’s classic for costochondritis.
@jdbarr1, It does sound a little like what others have described for slipping rib syndrome.
-- Is anyone familiar with slipping rib syndrome?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/slipping-rib-syndrome/
Have you checked the description/diagnosis of costochondritis to see if it sounds familiar? That seems to be fairly common in those of us with fibromyalgia, that you may also have.
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I also have this problem with my rib cage. I have no idea why it is so painful if pressure is put on and nor does my doctor. I was told once it was because I am heavy busted. Such a mystery !