Pain in the upper back or around the rib cage is a common complaint. This discomfort, often a dull ache or sharp sensation, can impact daily activities. While many cases resolve on their own, understanding potential causes helps individuals know when to seek medical attention.
Musculoskeletal Reasons
Pain in the back ribs often originates from the musculoskeletal system, involving muscles, bones, or joints. Muscle strain is a common cause, affecting intercostal muscles between the ribs or larger back muscles. Activities like heavy lifting, sudden movements, or forceful coughing can strain these muscles, causing sharp or persistent pain that worsens with deep breaths or torso movements.
Costochondritis, inflammation of cartilage connecting ribs to the breastbone, is another source. While often felt in the chest, it can radiate to the back and intensify with deep breathing, coughing, or chest movements. Rib fractures or bruises from trauma, such as falls or sports impacts, also cause severe pain around the rib cage that may extend to the back. This pain is sharp and worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing.
Poor posture, including prolonged slouching or certain sleeping positions, strains the rib cage and surrounding muscles and joints. This stress can lead to muscle tension and spraining of spinal and rib joints, causing gradual or sudden back rib pain. The pain from these issues varies in intensity and may include stiffness or tenderness in the affected area.
Nerve and Organ-Related Reasons
Beyond musculoskeletal issues, back rib pain can arise from nerve irritation or internal organ problems. Nerve compression, such as a pinched nerve from a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, can cause pain radiating around the ribs. This pain is sharp or cramping.
Kidney issues are another source of back rib pain. Kidney infections or kidney stones cause pain in the lower back or flank area, usually just below the rib cage and often on one side. Kidney stone pain is intense, sharp, and colicky, coming in waves, and may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
Lung conditions can also cause pain around the ribs and back. Pleurisy, inflammation of the lung lining, leads to sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breaths, coughing, or sneezing and can spread to the shoulders or back. Pneumonia, a lung infection, can cause back pain due to inflammation extending to the lung lining and surrounding muscles, with coughing and difficulty breathing.
Certain digestive issues may refer pain to the back. Conditions like acid reflux, gallstones, or pancreatitis can cause abdominal discomfort that radiates to the back, particularly the upper back or between the shoulder blades. This referred pain occurs due to interconnected nerve pathways supplying both internal organs and the back.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
While many instances of back rib pain are minor and resolve with self-care, certain symptoms warrant medical evaluation. If the pain is severe, progressively worsening, or does not improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relievers after several weeks, seek professional advice. Persistent pain can indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Consult a healthcare professional if back rib pain is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These include fever, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, or unexplained weight loss. Numbness, tingling, or changes in bowel or bladder habits alongside back pain are red flag symptoms requiring immediate attention, as they could indicate nerve involvement or serious spinal issues.
Pain following a significant injury or fall should be evaluated to rule out fractures or internal damage. Individuals with a history of cancer, osteoporosis, or other chronic conditions should be vigilant, as back rib pain may indicate their underlying illness. Only a medical professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.