Experiencing pain in the ribs can be incredibly uncomfortable and disabling. It can happen suddenly or gradually, and its cause could be due to a number of factors.

Nonetheless, seeking medical advice is necessary to determine the root cause of the pain and to obtain appropriate treatment. Below are some possible factors that could cause pain in the ribs.

Costochondritis

Costochondritis is a painful condition caused by the inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs and the sternum. This condition often causes sharp pain in the chest and is commonly mistaken for a heart attack.

Other symptoms include difficulty breathing and pain when coughing or taking deep breaths.

Fractured Ribs

A fractured rib can cause serious pain and discomfort. This type of injury is often caused by a fall or a direct hit to the chest. The pain associated with a fractured rib usually intensifies when taking deep breaths or coughing.

Pulled Muscles or Ligaments

Another possible cause of rib pain is a pulled muscle or ligament. A pulled muscle or ligament occurs when there is damage to the muscle fibers or the ligament tissue.

This type of injury can cause sharp pain in the chest and difficulty moving the affected area. Pain is often intensified with physical activities involving the chest area.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a respiratory condition that can cause pain in the chest and lungs. When pneumonia affects the lungs, the inflammation can cause sharp pain in the chest. The pain may intensify when taking a deep breath or coughing.

Pneumonia is often accompanied by other symptoms such as fever and chills.

Heart Attack

Although rare, a heart attack can cause pain in the chest that can be mistaken for rib pain. The pain associated with a heart attack is usually a crushing sensation rather than a sharp pain commonly associated with rib pain.

The pain may also radiate to the arms, neck, and jaw. Other symptoms of a heart attack include shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea.

Shingles

Shingles is a viral infection that typically affects older adults. The infection causes a painful rash that can occur anywhere on the body, including the chest area.

The pain associated with shingles can be severe and sharp, which can be mistaken for rib pain. The pain may also occur before the rash appears.

Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia occurs when a part of the stomach bulges up into the chest area. This condition can cause pain in the chest and upper stomach area. The pain may increase when bending down or lying down.

Other symptoms include heartburn, acid reflux, and difficulty swallowing.

Angina

Angina is chest pain that is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. The pain associated with angina is usually described as a pressure or squeezing sensation and may also be felt in the arms, neck, and jaw.

The pain is often triggered by physical activity or stress.

Broken Shoulder Blade

A broken shoulder blade can cause pain in the upper back and chest area. This type of injury is often caused by a hard hit or fall on the shoulder blade area.

The pain associated with a broken shoulder blade may increase when taking deep breaths or moving the affected area.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer can cause pain in the chest area, with the pain often intensifying when taking deep breaths. Other symptoms of lung cancer include persistent coughing, shortness of breath, and weight loss.

Smokers and former smokers are at risk of developing lung cancer.

Conclusion

Pain in the ribs can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which are more serious than others.

It is important to seek medical advice when experiencing rib pain in order to determine the underlying cause of the pain and to obtain appropriate treatment. While some causes of rib pain can be easily treated, others can be life-threatening.