Medical Health Encyclopedia

Rib cage pain

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Rib

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Rib cage pain

Definition:

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

Alternative Names:
Pain - rib cage

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Considerations:

With a broken rib, the pain is aggravated by bending and twisting the torso. With pleurisy (swelling of the lining of the lungs), it is not.

Common Causes:

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

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