What Causes Pain Below the Right Ribs?
May 19, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Ge
Introduction
Pain in the lower right rib cage is most commonly due to muscular strain. Generally, there are three primary causes:
First, physical overexertion or poor posture—such as prolonged sitting with a hunched back and no lumbar support;
Second, exposure to cold and damp weather;
Third, emotional factors—such as frequent anger or irritability; indeed, distending pain in this area can sometimes occur following episodes of anger.
Pain in the right lower rib area is most commonly due to musculoskeletal strain.
First and foremost, however, visceral causes must be ruled out. Structures located beneath the right lower ribs include the liver and the pleura. Conditions such as pleuritis or hepatic disorders should therefore be considered. An abdominal ultrasound is recommended to help exclude these internal causes. If the abdominal ultrasound and chest X-ray both yield normal results, the pain is typically attributable to ordinary strain-related inflammation. This inflammation may involve the periosteum covering the rib, the fascia overlying the muscles, or the muscles themselves. Occasionally, superficial skin conditions—such as herpes zoster—may also cause localized pain.
Generally speaking, if visceral and dermatological causes have been excluded, the right lower rib pain is most likely attributable to one of three common factors: (1) physical strain or poor posture—such as prolonged sitting with a hunched back and inadequate lumbar support; (2) exposure to cold and damp weather; or (3) emotional stress—particularly frequent anger or frustration, which may manifest as distending or dull pain. Consider whether any of these three factors apply; addressing them appropriately often leads to symptom relief.
