What causes a dull pain below the left rib?

Generally, dull pain below the left rib may be caused by poor posture, high psychological stress, indigestion, gastric ulcers, pancreatitis, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Poor Posture

Prolonged poor sitting or standing posture—such as slouching while working or sitting for long periods without movement—can increase pressure on the lower back and rib areas, leading to muscle tension and pain below the left rib. Maintaining correct sitting and standing posture and performing regular stretching exercises are recommended.

2. High Psychological Stress

When experiencing high levels of psychological stress or emotional tension, the intercostal muscles may become tense, resulting in a dull ache below the left rib. It's important to arrange rest appropriately and, if necessary, seek psychological counseling to reduce mental burden.

3. Indigestion

Improper diet or gastrointestinal dysfunction may lead to digestive discomfort, manifesting as a dull pain below the left rib. Adjusting eating habits and avoiding excessive intake of greasy foods and carbonated beverages is advised.

4. Gastric Ulcer

Gastric ulcers may result from irregular eating habits, chronic sleep deprivation, bacterial infection, and other factors. Damage to the gastric mucosa and ulcer formation can cause dull pain below the left rib, often accompanied by symptoms such as acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting. Medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, ranitidine hydrochloride tablets, and colloidal bismuth pectin capsules may be used under medical supervision.

5. Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is usually caused by excessive alcohol consumption, trauma, metabolic disorders, or other factors. Pancreatic tissue damage and abnormal activation of pancreatic enzymes can trigger local inflammatory responses, stimulating nerve endings below the left rib and causing dull pain, often accompanied by abdominal pain and fever. Treatment may include medications such as pancreatic enzyme enteric-coated capsules, octreotide acetate injection, and lovastatin tablets, under a doctor’s guidance.

In daily life, maintaining a balanced diet, reducing intake of irritating foods, and taking a light walk after meals to aid digestion are beneficial. Learning to regulate emotions and maintaining a calm mindset also contribute to overall health.