Pain under the right rib cage when moving can be a concerning sensation. This discomfort can range from a mild ache to a sharp, intense feeling, and its connection to movement suggests involvement of structures within the abdominal or chest wall region. Many potential causes exist, from common, less severe conditions to those requiring prompt medical attention. Understanding these various possibilities can help in discerning when self-care is appropriate and when professional medical evaluation is necessary.
Common Sources of Pain
Pain under the right rib cage frequently stems from musculoskeletal issues. A common culprit is an intercostal muscle strain, affecting muscles located between the ribs. These muscles assist in breathing and stabilizing the chest wall, and can be strained by sudden movements, repetitive actions like lifting or twisting, or even forceful coughing. Such a strain causes sharp, localized pain that intensifies with movements of the chest, arms, or torso, deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing.
Another frequent musculoskeletal cause is costochondritis, inflammation of the cartilage connecting ribs to the breastbone. Pain from costochondritis can be sharp or dull and may worsen with movement, deep breathing, or direct pressure. Although typically affecting the left side, it can sometimes present on the right. Bruised or fractured ribs, from falls, impacts, or severe coughing, also cause significant pain noticeable when breathing in, coughing, twisting, or bending.
Beyond musculoskeletal origins, digestive issues can also manifest as pain under the right rib cage, especially with movement or after eating. Indigestion, for instance, can lead to a heavy, uncomfortable feeling, bloating, and gas, which might worsen with bending or lying down. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also cause pain in this area, accompanied by frequent acid reflux or heartburn.
Less Common or Serious Conditions
While many instances are benign, certain less common conditions can be more serious and warrant medical investigation. Issues with the gallbladder, located beneath the liver, are a notable example. Gallstones, hard deposits blocking the gallbladder’s ducts, often cause intense, sudden, and sharp pain in the upper right abdomen, which may radiate to the back or right shoulder. This pain, known as biliary colic, can be severe and persistent, often worsening after fatty meals and not relieved by movement or posture changes. Cholecystitis, gallbladder inflammation, presents with similar but more persistent and severe pain, often accompanied by fever.
Liver conditions, such as hepatitis or fatty liver disease, can also cause discomfort or a dull ache under the right rib cage. Liver pain is a dull ache that can worsen with pressure and may be accompanied by bloating or jaundice. Kidney problems, such as kidney stones or infections affecting the right kidney, can cause pain felt in the flank or lower back, sometimes radiating to the groin or front of the abdomen, including under the right rib cage. Kidney stone pain is excruciating, comes in waves, and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or painful urination.
Other less common causes include pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause upper abdominal pain extending to the right side. Pleurisy, inflammation of the lung lining, can cause sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or movement. If the inflammation affects the lower right lung lining, pain can be felt under the right rib cage.
Identifying Warning Signs
Recognizing warning signs is important to determine when pain under the right rib cage necessitates professional medical attention. Severe, sudden, or recurring pain that doesn’t subside warrants evaluation. Pain accompanied by a high fever, persistent nausea, or vomiting indicates a serious underlying issue.
Other concerning symptoms include jaundice (yellowing skin or eyes), often signaling liver or gallbladder problems. Changes in bowel habits (black or bloody stools) or blood in the urine are serious indicators. If the pain is accompanied by shortness of breath, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, confusion, or unexplained weight loss, seek immediate medical help. Pain radiating to the shoulder, arm, or jaw, or feeling like chest tightness/heaviness for over 15 minutes, could suggest a cardiac issue and requires emergency attention.
Initial Self-Care Measures
For mild pain without warning signs, self-care measures can provide temporary relief. Rest allows strained muscles or inflamed tissues to heal by avoiding activities that worsen pain. Apply a cold compress or ice pack for 15-20 minutes every few hours to reduce swelling and numb pain, especially for musculoskeletal injuries. After cold application, heat therapy (warm compress or hot bath) can relax muscles and alleviate discomfort.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) can manage mild to moderate pain. Follow dosage instructions and consider existing health conditions or other medications. Gentle stretching exercises that improve torso and chest flexibility may also offer relief by reducing muscle tension. For digestive discomfort, dietary adjustments like avoiding fatty or gassy foods can help.