What Causes Pain in the Right Ribs?
Apr 15, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Man
Introduction
Pain in the right ribs may stem from a pathological condition of the ribs themselves, such as costochondritis—a relatively common cause. Costochondritis primarily involves inflammatory changes at the junction of the sternum and costal cartilages; therefore, when a patient experiences rib pain, costochondritis should be considered as a potential diagnosis. Secondly, intercostal neuralgia can also cause right-sided rib pain.
Pain anywhere in the body often causes significant discomfort and restlessness, making early detection and prompt treatment essential. So, what causes pain on the right side of the rib cage?
What Causes Right-Sided Rib Pain?
Right-sided rib pain may originate from pathology involving the ribs themselves—for example, costochondritis, a relatively common condition. Costochondritis primarily involves inflammatory changes at the junction between the sternum and costal cartilages. Therefore, when patients experience rib pain, costochondritis should be considered as a potential cause. Secondly, intercostal neuralgia can also lead to right-sided rib pain. Patients may describe a burning or sharp, stabbing sensation, which may worsen with actions such as coughing or deep breathing. The liver and gallbladder lie beneath the right rib cage; thus, conditions such as cholecystitis or hepatitis may cause referred pain perceived as rib pain. In such cases, timely medical evaluation is crucial to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
If rib cage pain results solely from a soft-tissue contusion of the chest wall, local physical therapy may be applied. Symptomatic treatment may include oral administration of celecoxib (Celebrex®) or topical application of diclofenac gel (Voltaren®) for anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. If the contusion is complicated by rib fracture, in addition to the above measures, thoracic immobilization is also required.
In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. For pain caused by intercostal neuralgia or costochondritis, local physical therapy and oral or topical anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications are appropriate. However, if the pain stems from a thoracic mass or other intrathoracic pathology, further diagnostic evaluation and management are warranted. We hope this information has been helpful to you!
