What Causes Pain Below the Chest and Under the Ribs?

Pain beneath the chest along the ribs is a relatively common symptom in daily life. Such rib pain can significantly disrupt everyday activities and negatively impact both quality of life and overall health. So, what causes pain beneath the chest along the ribs? Below, we provide an explanation.

Causes of Pain Beneath the Chest Along the Ribs

1. Cardiac Disorders

Patients with pre-existing heart conditions may experience pain beneath the chest along the ribs following physical exertion. Rib pain resulting from cardiac disease requires prompt medical evaluation to prevent potential complications.

2. Costochondritis

Also known as anterior chest wall syndrome, this condition is often associated with trauma. For instance, lifting heavy objects may cause acute injury to the costochondral joint cartilage due to chest compression. Alternatively, viral infection may induce edema in the costochondral joint cartilage, leading to pain beneath the chest along the ribs.

3. Chronic Liver Disease

This condition commonly causes pain beneath the right side of the chest along the ribs. During acute exacerbation of liver disease, hepatocyte damage triggers hepatic inflammation, manifesting as intermittent pain in the right subcostal region.

4. Emotional Distress (e.g., Depression or Anger)

Depression or anger may impair liver function, disrupt the free flow of liver Qi, and obstruct the collaterals—potentially causing pain beneath the chest along the ribs. Additionally, chronic sleep deprivation overburdens the liver; without adequate rest and recovery, this may also lead to pain beneath the right side of the chest along the ribs.

The above outlines the primary causes of pain beneath the chest along the ribs. We hope this information is helpful to you.