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Rib cage pain

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Rib
Rib

Alternative Names    Return to top

Pain - rib cage

Definition    Return to top

Rib cage pain includes any pain or discomfort in the area of the ribs. See chest pain.

Considerations    Return to top

With a broken rib, the pain gets worse when bending and twisting the body. Such movement does not cause the pain in those who have pleurisy (swelling of the lining of the lungs) or muscle spasms.

Causes    Return to top

Home Care    Return to top

Rest and immobilization are the best cure for a rib cage fracture.

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

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if the pain is persistent, prolonged, or unexplained.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

The health care provider will take a medical history and perform a physical examination.

Medical history questions may include:

The physical examination may emphasize the lungs and chest cavity.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

References    Return to top

Murray JF, Gebhart GF. Chest pain. In: Mason RJ, Murray J, Broaddus VC, Nadel J, eds. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2005:chap 30.

Imamura M, Imamura ST. Tietze syndrome. In: Frontera WR, Silver JK, eds. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2008:chap 100.

Update Date: 2/22/2009

Updated by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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