Rib Cage Pain on Left Side

Our rib cage comprises the 12 thoracic vertebrae and 24 ribs, sternum (breastbone), and the costal cartilages which connect the ribs to the sternum. The ribs are curved, compressed bars of bone that help in motion, expansion, and contraction of the abdominal region. They are surrounded by a flexible, elastic protective covering called the bony thoracic basket, or rib cage, which forms the skeleton of the wall of the chest, or thorax.

In the chest-thorax region, nerves emerge from the spine and separate into two parts. The first part moves towards the under part of the skin and further sends fibers to the surface of the skin, while traveling half way around the chest. The second nerve travels from the bottom of the rib right around the sternum bone, and also surfaces to the skin and then moves back towards the side of the same level as the first nerve. A rib cage pain on left side or right side can be due to any pain or discomfort in these areas of the ribs. It is often very confusing to note the exact cause of pain and discomfort in left side of rib cage area. This Buzzle article will help you find some of the possible reasons that may be causing your discomfort.

Rib Cage Pain Causes
There can be an underlying medical condition that may lead to rib cage pain on the left side. The possible causes of this pain in the rib are discussed below:

Constipation
One of the most common reasons for pain on the left side of rib cage is constipation. Hardened stools make the bowel movement painful and very difficult. The person suffering from constipation, exerts much effort to pass stools. This causes a strain and pull in the adjoining area like rib cage. Thus, a constipated individual often complains of pain in the ribs.

Fracture Rib:
A fracture or cracked rib due to an injury or accident can be a major cause for rib cage pain on both sides or just left side. If you encounter an upper rib cage pain on left side, first get the area X-rayed to determine, if the ribs are fractured or not. If you have experienced this pain for a long duration of time, you may also have to undergo an MRI or CT scan.

Cartilage Inflammation:
Inflammation of the cartilage that lies between the ribs and the breastbone may lead to rib cage pain on left side. Quite often, the pain may spread around the back and down the arm regions, and one may have a sensation of having a heart attack or lung problems. Though the duration of this condition is quite short, it may be extremely painful or uncomfortable as long as it lasts.

Gastritis:
When the stomach lining is inflamed due to a bacterial infection, it affects food digestion. One complains of gas, bleaching, nausea and vomiting. During this time, one may also feel ribcage pain as the discomfort in the stomach area also affects the chest and rib area.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome:
Overeating, lack of exercise, failure to consume enough water or fiber-rich foods can lead to various digestive, gastro and irritable bowel syndromes (IBS) that may include symptoms like gas, constipation, bloating of stomach, etc. As the digestive organs secrete fewer enzymes that help break down food, most of the gas generated due to improper food break down gets trapped in the left loop of the intestine which may cause rib cage pain in left side.

Costochondritis: Costochondritis is a benign condition that primarily occurs due to inflammation of the rib cage muscles. Being the most common cause of rib pain or chest pain in children and adolescents, pain and tenderness are confined to the regions where the ribs are connected to the breastbone. It normally occurs due to viral respiratory infections or excessive straining from coughing.

Rib Cage Pain Treatment
Depending upon the cause and severity of the rib cage pain in leg side, the treatment varies. In mild cases, the doctors may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve), that will help decrease the symptoms of pain and inflammation in the rib cage muscles. But if the pain is severe, making it difficult to sleep, the doctors may prescribe tricyclic antidepressants. In extreme cases, the patient may be given a local anesthetic and steroid injection in the area that is tender, if the pain does not subsides with medications.

Above all these medications, the best way to treat rib cage pain on left side is self-care and complete rest. Deep breathing, rigorous exercising and straining the chest muscles may worsen pain or inflammation, and slow down the healing process. Pregnant women may suffer from chronic rib cage pain on left side or right side. This is because of the constant pressure on their lower back and rib cage due to the growing fetus. Speak to your doctor about some relief methods for this pain. Do not self-medicate. Applying heat pad or ice pack on the painful area several times a day will also help in relieving the rib cage pain.