Dull pain under the left rib cage radiating to the back
Apr 10, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
Costochondritis is caused by injury to joint ligaments or viral infection leading to inflammation of the cartilage at the junction of the sternum and ribs. Intercostal neuralgia results from irritation, inflammation, or compression of the intercostal nerves. Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease occurs when the blood vessels supplying oxygen and nutrients to myocardial cells develop atherosclerosis, thromboembolism, or vascular spasm, resulting in narrowing or blockage of the vessel lumen.
In general, dull pain under the left rib cage radiating to the back may be caused by conditions such as costochondritis, intercostal neuralgia, or coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. It is recommended to seek medical evaluation at a hospital to determine the exact cause. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Costochondritis
Injury to joint ligaments, viral infections, or other factors may lead to inflammatory reactions in the cartilage at the junction of the sternum and ribs, resulting in costochondritis and causing dull rib pain. Pain can be relieved under the guidance of a qualified physician using treatments such as infrared microwave therapy or heat application.
2. Intercostal Neuralgia
When the intercostal nerves are stimulated, inflamed, or compressed, intercostal neuralgia may occur, leading to pain along the nerve pathway and causing pain in the left rib area. Under professional medical supervision, pulsed radiofrequency treatment may be used to block pain signal transmission, or nerve electrical stimulation therapy may be applied to alleviate pain.
3. Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart Disease
When the blood vessels supplying oxygen and nutrients to myocardial cells develop atherosclerosis, thrombotic occlusion, or vasospasm, the vessel lumen may narrow or become blocked, impairing blood flow. This leads to coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, causing myocardial ischemia, angina pectoris, and referred skeletal pain. It is recommended to follow a doctor's instructions and take antiplatelet medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets, clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate tablets, or ticagrelor tablets, which help reduce platelet aggregation and prevent further thrombus progression.
In addition, thoracic spinal tumors may also cause dull rib pain. Detailed examinations should be conducted at a hospital, and active treatment should be pursued under medical guidance.
