What are the causes of pain under the right rib?

In general, there is no single explanation for right lower rib pain, which may be caused by poor posture, muscle fatigue or strain after intense exercise, emotional stress or anxiety, gallstones, pneumonia, and other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Poor Posture

Prolonged incorrect sitting or lying positions—such as twisting the body or compressing the area below the right rib cage—may lead to local muscle tension or nerve compression, causing pain in the right lower rib region. It is important in daily life to maintain proper sitting and lying postures and avoid prolonged body twisting or pressure on the right lower rib area.

2. Muscle Fatigue or Strain After Intense Exercise

Insufficient warm-up before vigorous exercise or excessive intensity may cause fatigue or strain of the muscles below the right rib cage, resulting in pain. In the initial stage, cold compresses can help reduce swelling and pain; later, heat therapy can improve blood circulation and promote recovery.

3. Emotional Stress or Anxiety

High mental stress, emotional tension, or anxiety may lead to autonomic nervous system dysfunction, causing sensory abnormalities including pain below the right rib cage. Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga, along with moderate aerobic exercises like walking, jogging, or swimming, can help relieve emotional tension.

4. Gallstones

Long-term bile stasis may lead to gallstone formation. When stones cause pathological changes, they may stimulate local nerves or obstruct bile ducts, resulting in pain below the right rib cage, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as loss of appetite and nausea. Patients may take medications such as ursodeoxycholic acid capsules, Dan Ning tablets, or anti-inflammatory and bile-promoting tablets under a doctor's guidance.

5. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is caused by infections from pathogens such as viruses or bacteria, including mycoplasma. When lung inflammation occurs, it may irritate the pleural nerves, leading to pain below the right rib cage. Symptoms may also include fever, cough, sputum production, and difficulty breathing. Treatment may involve antibiotics such as amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets, cefdinir capsules, or penicillin V potassium tablets, taken as directed by a physician.

In daily life, one should maintain proper sitting and lying postures, change positions regularly, and avoid staying in the same position for long periods. Regular physical activity is recommended, along with dietary adjustments to avoid high-fat and high-cholesterol foods, while increasing intake of dietary fiber and fluids.