Differential Diagnosis for Ongoing Left Sided Rib Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Musculoskeletal strain or thoracic spine dysfunction: The initial improvement with myofascial release and subsequent return of pain suggests a musculoskeletal origin, possibly related to strain or dysfunction in the thoracic spine or surrounding muscles.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Costochondritis: Inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum, which can cause rib pain and may be exacerbated by movement or pressure.
- Thoracic outlet syndrome: Compression of nerves or blood vessels between the neck and shoulder, which can cause pain in the thoracic region, including the ribs.
- Scoliosis or thoracic kyphosis: Abnormal curvature of the spine, which can lead to uneven wear and tear on the muscles and joints, causing pain.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot in the lungs, which can cause sudden and severe chest pain, including rib pain, and is a medical emergency.
- Pneumothorax: Collapse of the lung, which can cause sudden and severe chest pain, including rib pain, and is a medical emergency.
- Myocardial infarction: Heart attack, which can cause chest pain that may radiate to the ribs, and is a medical emergency.
- Osteoporotic fracture: A fracture of the thoracic spine or ribs due to osteoporosis, which can cause severe pain and is a significant concern in older adults.
Rare Diagnoses
- Tietze's syndrome: A rare inflammatory condition that affects the cartilage of the ribs, causing pain and swelling.
- Sickle cell disease: A genetic disorder that can cause episodes of severe pain, including rib pain, due to sickling of red blood cells.
- Multiple myeloma: A type of blood cancer that can cause bone pain, including rib pain, due to tumor growth in the bones.