Why is my lower left rib cage hurting?

Why is my lower left rib cage hurting?

Causes include an injury to the rib cage, heavy lifting, an infection, and arthritis. Experts note, however, that it often has no identifiable cause. Your doctor may recommend OTC or prescription-strength pain relievers and anti-inflammatories or steroids. Heat and cold therapy and bed rest will help relieve the pain.

Can you pull a muscle on the left side of your ribs?

Your intercostal muscles are the muscles between your ribs. They allow your ribcage to expand and contract so you can breathe. But if they stretch too far or tear, intercostal muscle strain is the end result. You can strain the intercostal muscles suddenly or by doing certain movements over and over.

How long does it take to recover from a pulled muscle in your ribs?

The average intercostal muscle strain takes about four to five weeks to heal, but the healing process may be shorter or longer depending on the severity of the strain.

How long does it take for a pulled rib muscle to heal?

Outlook and prevention. Mild intercostal muscle strain commonly heals within a few days. Moderate strains may take 3 to 7 weeks to heal, and severe strains that involve a complete tear of the muscles can take longer. In general, most intercostal muscle sprains should heal within a 6-week time span.

How do you heal a pulled rib muscle?

Treating Intercostal Muscle Strain

  1. Cold and heat therapy. For the first 48 hours of pain, icing the affected area with an ice pack or cold pack is recommended to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
  2. Over-the-counter pain medications.

How long does it take for a strained rib muscle to heal?

Outlook and prevention. Mild intercostal muscle strain commonly heals within a few days. Moderate strains may take 3 to 7 weeks to heal, and severe strains that involve a complete tear of the muscles can take longer.

How do you relieve sore rib muscles?

If the rib cage pain is due to a minor injury, such as a pulled muscle or bruise, you can use a cold compress on the area to reduce swelling. If you’re in significant pain, you can also take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).

What causes severe pain under left rib cage?

Trapped gas in the digestive tract

  • Constipation
  • Heartburn
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Why do I have pain under my left rib cage?

    Acid Reflux (Heartburn)

  • Indigestion
  • Peptic Ulcers
  • Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)
  • Gastritis
  • Why do my ribs hurt when I Wake Up?

    Your sleeping position The position you sleep in has a lot to say about how well you will feel when you wake up the following morning.

  • The type of bed or mattress you use Sleeping on a surface that is not gentle on your ribs and bones will cause you pain in the long run,…
  • Secondary medical conditions or prior injuries
  • Why does left side of ribs hurt?

    Pain under the left rib cage may be caused by damage to the spleen because the spleen is on the left side of the body, but pain in that area is more frequently caused by the same conditions that cause pain in the lower chest and upper abdomen on both sides: heart attack, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux, and gastritis.