What Causes Pain on Both Sides of Rib Cage

Ribs are an important part of human body that protects the lungs, heart and other parts of respiratory and cardiovascular systems. There are 12 pairs of ribs in the human body; together they form the rib cage. Rib pain or pain in ribs can be caused due to inflammation of muscles or fracture to ribs. It can be seen in individuals of any age. Individuals suffering from rib pain often report a sharp pinching or stabbing pain in ribs.

Rib Pain Causes

Want to find out what causes rib pain? You will find all the information you need here. Two of the leading causes of rib pain is fractured and broken bones. Both conditions can be accompanied by severe rib pain.

A rib fracture, also called a cracked rib, is the term used to describe a crack or break in one of the bones making up the rib cage. The term rib fracture also refers to a break in the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone. This condition can also lead to rib pain.

Rib injuries can occur in a variety of ways. As the number of cars on American highways has steadily increased over the years so have the number of accidents increased. Vehicle accidents are a large source of rib injuries.

During a car accident, passengers in the car may receive a hard direct blow to the chest, causing a broken or fractured rib and immediate rib pain. The rib pain will probably remain as the injury heals.

Though it may sound unbelievable, rib injuries can also be caused by coughing. Yes, coughing. An extremely hard cough can lead to a fractured rib and rib pain. Though this injury is more likely to occur when a person has a disease that has weakened the bones, it can happen to people who have relatively strong bones and no history of bone disease.

If you do suffer a rib injury the rib pain will probably be triggered by the muscles used for breathing pulling on the ribs. Generally, breathing is very painful when you have a cracked or broken rib.

What Causes Pain on both Sides of Rib Cage?

Pain in the ribs doesn’t necessarily equate to heart problems. But for many, it’s too close for comfort. The causes of rib pain can lie with the musculature, membranes or in the lungs. There are several muscles in the chest, back and abdomen that attach directly to the ribs.

Some causes of rib pain are a result of strain or overuse of these muscles. When the cartilage connecting the ribs to each other becomes inflamed it’s called Costochondritis and is one of the most common causes of rib pain.

The lining of the lungs and chest cavity, called pleura, can also become inflamed, which is known as pleurisy, it’s one of the most painful causes of rib pain. Pleural effusion occurs in the fluid that lubricates the surface of the pleura collects between the layers of tissue.

It can cause sharp pain, especially when coughing and can be caused by high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, lung diseases such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, a drug reaction or prolonged exposure to asbestos.

One of the causes of rib pain that do involve the heart is pericarditis. It’s when the sac-like covering of the heart, the pericardium, becomes inflamed. When blood or other fluids build up between the pericardium and the myocardium (the muscle of the heart), it causes cardiac tamponade or compression of the heart. Both of these conditions are serious and require immediate attention.

Of the many causes of rib pain, it’s tough to be sure if it’s serious or if it will go away on its own. Note the location, duration and any activity that exacerbates the pain so that your physician can diagnose and treat your pain accurately.

What Are The Rib Pain Causes In Both Sides? Last Updated: 21/2/2018