Why do my ribs hurt?

12-47% of the population can feel a sharp pain in their ribs. This population can feel pain in the chest or above the naval on any side of the rib cage. This pain can be dull, quick, or sharp and can occur immediately after or before an injury. The pain in the chest can also develop into despair in the rib cage. Why do my ribs hurt?  Rib cage pain is often accompanied by swelling or pain when the muscles are stretched. Also, It can sometimes occur due to any underlying condition.  Check if your rib hurts and see a doctor. Also, Read 11 Common Causes of Chest Pain on the right side

What is the why do my ribs hurt cage pain?

There can be many causes of the rib cage. There can be a pulled muscle or an injury to the ribs. Mainly in the cases of fights or combat, there are many chances of hurting your ribs. Rib pains in breast walls that appear to be coming from a rib may result from traumatic injuries or chronic pain, but these symptoms can vary. There can be several reasons for hurt in the ribs like

• Broken ribs
• Chest Injuries
• Rib fractures
• Osteoporosis
• Inflammation in lungs
• Muscle spasms
• Swollen cartilages

Also, Read Risks of Untreated Chronic Back Pain

How to diagnose hurt in the ribs? 

It is essential to describe the pain as and when you feel it in the body's ribs. The different types of hurt you experience in the ribs and the part in which you experience the pain. Doctors determine which test can help in diagnosing which condition. 

1. There are two ways of determining hurt in the rib cage. If you have an injury, the doctor can order an X-ray to learn about the evidence of fractures or fractures in bone responsibility.
2. If there are abnormalities or abnormal growth in the ribs, then the doctor can advise an MRI. An MRI scan can give a detailed view of your rib cage or any soft tissue like muscles, organs, and tissue.
3. You can order a bone scan for chronic pain in your ribs. Your bone scan will examine if there is bone cancer developed under the ribs. There is a small amount of radioactive dye called a tracer. Your doctor can then scan your ribs to check for any abnormality that might cause pain.

What are the treatment options for hurt in the ribs? 

The recommended treatments for pain in the ribs are -   

1. Tylenol: If the rib cage has a minor injury like a pulled muscle or blued ribs, then a cold compress can reduce the swelling in the ribs. There is an over-the-counter pain reliever called acetaminophen.
2. Compression wrap: If over-the-counter medicine relieves pain from an injury, your doctor can prescribe a compression wrap with elastic bandages. It is wrapped around the chest. It holds the damage in place and reduces pain. Sometimes the compression wrap can make it difficult to breathe.
3. Surgery: If bone cancer causes chest pain, it can be due to a type of cancer or the beginning of one. Determining the origin of cancer can improve the condition near the area of the body. Your doctor can suggest surgery in case of abnormal growth.
4. Chemotherapy: If surgical procedures cannot relieve the chest hurt, the patients can consider radiation or chemotherapy. When the pain is reduced, the growth can be removed by surgery.

How to prevent hurt in the rib?

You can prevent hurt in the ribs due to muscle strain or pains. Prevention of rib cage pain may include the followings: 

• Stretching muscles before exercise, 
• Using exercise equipment carefully, 
• Keeping your nutrition and hydration in check. 

If there is a pain in the ribs due to an underlying medical condition, you should get plenty of rest and follow the treatments suggested by your doctor. Self-care treatments include ice therapy compression sessions and hot baths to relax and prevent pain. Also read: can junk food weaken the bones?

When to see your doctor if you have hurt your ribs?

The rib cage may not hurt without any movement. However, sharp pain can be experienced when breathing or lying in certain positions.  Check if your pain gets worse, and immediately contact your healthcare provider.  You should also take care if you have any pain while breathing. If there is irritation and pain in breathing, it can be a potential sign of a heart attack. 

FAQs - 

The summary -

There can be many reasons for having pain in the ribs. There are different ways of diagnosing the conditions, and depending on the diagnosis, various treatments are possible. Based on the causes of the pain, there can be treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and irritation. Though if there is any serious condition like irritation or difficulty breathing, it is better to get a health checkup from a physician. Be careful with any of the above medical conditions, and in case the symptoms become more prominent, don't be careless and check with our doctor.