It's certainly not anything life or death, as its only a discomfort. I'm thinking it could be just a shorted nerve, or possibly a small muscle pull.
2007-08-16 04:26:47 · 4 answers · asked by baman002 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
If it is more superficial, like you said "behind her ribcage" it could be a variety of things, she could have strained or bruised a back muscle, she also could have strained or bruised a muscle in between her ribs. It could be a broken rib. It also could be a subluxation of the rib head.
Depending on the type and quality of the pain you might want to see a chiropractor first. They could tell you what they believe to be wrong. The reason I recommend a chiropractor is this. If it is a muscle or rib fracture, no matter who you go to they will tell you to rest, an MD/DO will be able to give you a prescription. If it is a subluxated rib the MD/DO will probably attribute it to muscle spasm, and the problem will not resolve itself, though your wife may eventually get used to the pain. A chiropractor will very easily be able to tell if it is a rib subluxation and it should be fixed within 1-4 visits unless it is very difficult. I play rugby and have had my ribs adjusted after they subluxate. It is amazing how the pain can be eliminated with one adjustment. The most adjustments I've had to get for a subluxated rib is 2 adjustments. Look for a chiropractor who focuses on musculoskeletal complaints, the doctor may want to take a rib x-ray just to be sure, but I can guarantee that if you go to the ER they will want to take one.
2007-08-16 05:52:44 · answer #1 · answered by Chris L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This could be pleurisy where the lining between the lung and the ribs loses it's lubricant and breathing causes the lung and ribs to rub against each other. This will take an antibiotic to heal so a doctor needs to see you.
It could be a bruised rib, gas pain, a pulled muscle. Better let the doctor diagnose it.
2007-08-16 04:55:54 · answer #2 · answered by missingora 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My best guess is pulled muscle, broken or fractured rib. Though I would get it checked out for something more serious. The first three will get better with time, though you should refrain from lifting or doing anything involving alot of movement, because it can easily be reaggravated.
2007-08-16 04:42:51 · answer #3 · answered by DaLinkWent 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be any number of things some major and some not. Call your family physicain and get it checked out.
If she has the pain and experiences shortness of breath, trouble breathing or you notice that her skin is dusky or blue grey in appearance she needs to bee seen in the ER immediately.
2007-08-16 04:41:24 · answer #4 · answered by cece 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋