Rib cage pain

Alternative names:

pain in the rib cage

Definition:

Any pain or discomfort in the area of the rib cage. See also chest pain.

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)

Note: There may be other causes of rib cage pain. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for rib cage pain, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.