Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Lingering Rib Pain

When you have pain in your ribs, it could be merely a pulled muscle, or an indication of something more serious, like pancreatitis. Either way, it’s important to understand the cause of rib pain, so you know when to get treatment.

Rib pain diagnosis and treatment is one of Dr. Jason Ablett’s specialties at Pinnacle Health Chiropractic in Kirkland, Washington. When your pain doesn’t seem to let up, Dr. Ablett and his team have the knowledge and tools to get you the relief you need.

What is rib pain?

Rib pain is any type of discomfort that originates around the sides of your chest, where your ribs are located. While it’s called rib pain, the sensation doesn’t usually come from the bones that form your ribs.

Pain in this area can pop up suddenly after an injury, or appear for no known reason at all. The pain may be sharp, achy, or dull and throbbing in nature. You may notice it all the time, or it may come and go without any explanation.

There are many explanations for why you have rib pain. Sometimes, the pain is the result of inflammation of your cartilage, which is known as costochondritis. In other cases, it could be due to more serious issues like a dislocation or broken rib.

Fibromyalgia and osteoporosis can also lead to pain in your ribcage. In fact, other conditions that affect your body like arthritis may also manifest symptoms around your chest and ribs.

No matter what’s causing the pain in your ribs, it’s a good idea to get it checked out if it persists. Not only is this type of discomfort a nuisance, it also could be a sign that something else is going on in your body.

When to consult a doctor

Rib pain isn’t always an immediate concern, especially when it seems to get better on its own. If it pops up after you’ve coughed hard or you know you twisted the wrong way, it’s likely nothing to get too worried about.

However, when rib pain persists after an injury or for no reason at all, it’s a good idea to get checked out by Dr. Ablett. While it’s not always a major concern, you don’t want to let pain go without some explanation. Other reasons to be seen for your pain include:

• Your pain doesn’t get better with home care
• The pain seems to slowly be getting worse
• It affects your daily activities
• You’re sleep is interrupted
• Over-the-counter medications aren’t working
• The pain is the result of trauma

Dr. Ablett has a lot of experience when it comes to diagnosing and treating rib pain. If you’re unsure of whether or not to seek treatment, err on the side of caution and come in to be evaluated. 

Complications linked to rib pain

When it comes to rib pain, you might not be overly worried. However, it’s not always a sign of a passing condition. There are actually a number of other medical issues related to pain in your ribs. 

These medical issues range from moderate to life-threatening. This is why you should never brush your discomfort under the rug. Some of the more serious reasons your ribs could be hurting include:

• Pancreatitis
• Kidney stones
• Enlarged spleen
• Gastritis
• Pneumonia
• Pleurisy
• Liver problems

Your heart is also located in your chest, and issues with it may present as pain in other areas, including your ribs. Conditions like pericarditis or a heart attack may present as pain around your chest.

Anytime you have pain that’s not explainable, it’s important that you don’t ignore it. Usually, it’s your body telling you something else is going on that needs attention.

Call our office today to set up a consultation with Dr. Ablett if you’re in need of help for your rib pain. You can also schedule an appointment online using the booking tool on our web page.