Differential Diagnosis for Ongoing Left Sided Rib Pain
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Musculoskeletal strain or costochondritis: This is often the most common cause of rib pain, resulting from inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone or from strain on the muscles and ligaments surrounding the ribs.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Stomach acid reflux can cause pain that radiates to the left side of the chest and rib area.
- Precordial catch syndrome: A benign condition characterized by sharp, stabbing pain in the chest or rib area, often related to changes in position or breathing.
- Shingles (herpes zoster): Reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus can cause a painful rash that may precede or accompany rib pain on one side of the body.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot in the lungs can cause sudden, severe chest pain that may radiate to the ribs, and is a medical emergency.
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack): Although more commonly associated with central chest pain, myocardial infarction can sometimes cause pain that is referred to the left side of the chest or ribs.
- Pneumonia or pleurisy: Infection or inflammation of the lung tissue or the lining surrounding the lungs can cause sharp pain that worsens with breathing or coughing.
- Osteoporotic rib fracture: Especially in older adults or those with osteoporosis, a fracture of a rib can cause persistent pain.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Tietze's syndrome: A rare inflammatory condition affecting the cartilages and surrounding tissues of the ribs, similar to costochondritis but less common.
- Sickle cell disease crisis: Individuals with sickle cell disease may experience episodes of severe pain, including rib pain, due to vaso-occlusive crises.
- Rib tumor or metastasis: Although rare, tumors originating in or metastasizing to the ribs can cause persistent pain.
- Thoracic spine disorders (e.g., herniated disk, spinal stenosis): Problems with the thoracic spine can radiate pain to the rib area.