Medical Health Encyclopedia

Rib cage pain


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Rib
Rib
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Definition

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


Alternative Names

Pain - rib cage


Considerations

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.


Common Causes
  • Bruised, cracked, or fractured rib
  • Costochondritis (inflammation of cartilage near the breastbone)
  • Osteoporosis
  • Pleurisy (the pain is worse when breathing deeply)


Review Date: 01/22/2007
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.




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