Last updated 27/12/2023 by The pain clinics - Interdisciplinary Health

Pain on the left side of the ribs | Kostochondrit / Tietzes Syndrome

Reader questions about pain on the left side of the ribs. The doctor thought it was due to stomach acid, but had no effect of antacids. What is the diagnosis? The pain is located about 5 centimeters below the nipple on the left side and towards the sternum - as well as 'across' the back. A good question, the answer is that we would like to try to help you move forward in the investigation process. Feel free to get in touch via our Facebook Page if you have any questions or input.

We recommend that anyone interested in this topic read the main articles: - Pain in the ribs

Read: - Review article: Pain in the ribs

Here is the question a female reader asked us and our answer to this question:

Female (33 years): Hi! My cohabitant of 42 years has huge pains in the stomach (stomach area). He says it feels like muscle pain over the ribs. Was with a doctor so far he was examining and he got Somac when she thought it was stomach acid. The pain has gotten worse after that. The pain started during eating, but now there is pain all the time when he sits, also periodically when he stands. When he is lying down, the pain is gone. Had something similar 8-9 years ago + radiation to the back. He then went to chiropractor for almost 1 year with mild effect. He then started taking VitaePro, then the pain disappeared. He has been on VitaePro ever since, trying to double the dose, but no effect now. It's worst when he comes home from work. Can you help us? Thank you in advance.

Reply: First and foremost - do not double the dose of any medication without consulting a doctor whether this is safe or safe.

Here we have a few follow-up questions.

1) Considering that the pain is gone when lying down, there is a hint that it is stomach acid, esophageal or the like.

2) Does he have back pain this time too?

3) Could you be a little more accurate on where the pain is located?

4) Does he have night pain?

5) Does he feel unwell or nauseous? If so, has there been vomiting too?

Looking forward to helping you further.

Regards
Nicholas v Vondt.net

Female (33 years): Thank you very much for answering on a Saturday!

1.) He was on gastroscopy about 10 years ago, found that the esophagus is slightly open. Sour vomiting is not a big problem, sour vomiting comes infrequently, He at the same time found milk allergy, cut down on milk and cheese and got much better. Now he drinks about 0,5 L of milk every night, sometimes brown. Previously, there was 1 L daily with milk and 0,5 kg of cheese a week.

2) No, he does not have back pain now.

3) The pain is on the left side, about 5 cm below the nipple.

4) No, never pain at night.

5) He becomes unwell when the pain is at its worst. No vomiting or nausea. It is especially after the end of the work day that the pain is bad.

If he extends very far to the left side + comes across an edge with the stomach / side, it hurts incredibly. On weekends when he does not strain the body so much, the pain is moderate compared to during the work week.

Also read: - 8 Exercises for Sore Back

Reply: Based on the location of the pain (approximately 6th - 7th rib) and that it is more painful to move (to the left), it seems as if it is a musculoskeletal problem - that is, it is an irritation of intercostal muscles (rib muscles between the ribs + iliocostalis thoracis) and associated rib attachments.

Since the problem seems to be so strong in character, this can turn into what is called "costochondritis / Tietze's syndrome". The pain can also be worse with deep breathing and heavy physical work. Does this apply to your cohabitant?
Regards
Nicholas v Vondt.net

Female (33 years): This sounded just like he has it! But the pain is not worse with deep breathing. After physical hard work, it is worst, but he notices it well at work as well. Have read about Tietze's syndrome and it fits very well with the symptoms he has.

Reply: Yes, this is probably what he has. Here, it may be relevant with anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by your GP. Physical treatment of the back and muscles may also be relevant if this is contributing to his lack of function in the rib cage.
Regards
Nicholas v Vondt.net

Female (33 years): This sounded just like he has it! But the pain is not worse with deep breathing. After physical hard work, it is worst, but he notices it well at work as well.

Later: Hi and thank you very much for the diagnosis of my husband, he received an anti-inflammatory voltaren cure and was completely good. Fantastic!

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Also read: What You Should Know About Prolapse of the Neck

Also read: - Pressure wave treatment

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