Rib cage pain is a commonly reported symptom that can be caused by anything from a broken rib to lung cancer. The discomfort can take the form of a sharp and piercing sensation or a dull and chronic aching.
While some occurrences of rib cage discomfort are not related to serious health conditions and can be treated without substantial medical treatment, others require immediate attention because they are medical emergencies.
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Is the rib cage or uneven rib cage the same?
The rib cage is a bone structure made up of the sternum, spine, and ribs that cover the chest cavity and essential organs. In contrast, an uneven rib cage is a condition in which one side of the rib cage appears to be larger or more prominent than the other. This can be caused by a number of circumstances, including scoliosis, a congenital anomaly, or an injury.
In conclusion, rib cage and unequal rib cage are not the same things. While the rib cage refers to the complete structure that protects the chest, an uneven rib cage is a condition in which one side of the rib cage seems larger or more prominent than the other.
Five possible causes
Rib cage pain can be caused by a variety of factors. A physical examination and imaging scans will be used by a clinician to determine the underlying problem.
The following are some of the most common causes of rib cage pain:
Injury
The most common cause of rib cage pain is a chest injury caused by a fall, a traffic incident, or sports contact. This type of injury can result in a number of conditions, such as broken ribs, bruised ribs, cracked ribs, or pulled chest muscles.
If rib cage pain develops after an injury, a healthcare provider may order an X-ray to rule out any bone breaks or fractures. Soft tissue injury can also be detected using MRI and other studies. For chest or rib cage discomfort, it is critical to have an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which may involve rest, pain management, physical therapy, medication, or surgery, depending on the underlying reason.
Costochondritis
Costochondritis, also known as Tietze’s syndrome, is a frequent illness that causes rib cage pain. It happens when the cartilage in the rib cage becomes inflamed, particularly at the costosternal joint, which connects the upper ribs to the sternum. Costochondritis pain can range from minor to severe, and it is often accompanied by tenderness and discomfort in the chest area. Pain may extend down the limbs or interfere with daily activities in extreme situations. While some cases of costochondritis resolve on their own, others may necessitate medical attention.
Pleurisy
Pleurisy, also known as pleuritis, is an inflammatory illness that affects the lungs and chest linings. The pleura are thin tissues that line the chest and lungs, and inflammation can cause them to rub together, causing pain. Although pleurisy was originally more prevalent, the introduction of antibiotics has reduced its prevalence, and when it does occur, it is usually moderate and self-resolving within a few days to two weeks. Other lung inflammatory disorders, such as bronchitis, can induce rib cage pain.
Cancer
The second most frequent cancer in the United States is lung cancer. Rib cage discomfort or chest pain that worsens when inhaling hard coughing or laughing is one of the most common symptoms of lung cancer. Other warning signs include coughing up blood or mucus, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
Unfortunately, lung cancer has a poor prognosis when compared to other types of cancer, and it is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. People with early-stage lung cancer have a better chance of being cured. Therefore, early care is critical.
Metastatic lung cancer, which begins in one location and spreads to the lungs, is a potentially fatal illness that also produces rib cage or chest pain.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects the entire body. According to the American College of Rheumatology, it affects 2-4 percent of the population, with women accounting for up to 90 percent of those affected.
Fibromyalgia pain can be described as burning, throbbing, stabbing, or aching, and it is most commonly felt in the rib cage area, however, it can affect any portion of the body.
According to several studies, the most prevalent co-existing disease that leads to the hospitalization in persons with fibromyalgia is non-specific chest pain, which includes rib cage pain.
What is the difference between the rib cage and rib flare?
The sternum, ribs, and spine form the bony structure that encloses the chest, known as the rib cage. It acts as a scaffolding to protect the heart, lungs, and other important organs in the chest cavity.
Rib flare, on the other hand, is a condition in which the lower ribs protrude outwards, causing the lower rib cage to broaden or “flare” out. A multitude of causes can contribute to this, including bad posture, pregnancy, scoliosis, or a hereditary tendency.
While the rib cage refers to the general bony framework that encases the chest, rib flare refers to the protrusion of the lower ribs.
Symptoms of rib cage pain
Pain in the rib cage area is possible, and it can present in various ways depending on the location and underlying cause. Pain in the rib cage can occur in the chest, behind the ribs, or above the navel.
There are various reasons for rib cage discomfort, each of which might result in a different set of symptoms. As a result, the pain may be acute, dull, or achy, and it may appear suddenly or gradually. Furthermore, it might be continuous or intermittent, and it can aggravate when breathing in or moving.
When to see a doctor
Rib cage pain can be caused by a variety of accidents or medical disorders, so it is critical to get medical attention if you are suffering inexplicable discomfort. In any situation of rib cage pain, it is usually recommended that a person visit a doctor.
If the pain in the chest is intense and there is a feeling of pressure, as well as difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical assistance, as these symptoms may indicate a heart attack.
