Question:
I have pain on left side of my back/ribs it is in the middle of my ribs, on my back up through my shoulder–consistent pain for 2 wks.
Answer:
There are many conditions for left sided intercostal pain radiating to the shoulder.
As the pain is not acute as it is since 2 weeks.
Causes of Rib Pain
The pain can be due to:
- Musculoskeletal strain.
- Intercostals myalgia.
- Trauma in that area.
- Cardiac cause can be 1) pericarditis it is the inflammation of the lining of the heart.2) angina pain.
- Lung pains can be due to pneumonia, tuberculosis
- Pain due to the inflammation in brachial plexus, a network of nerves originating in neck and traveling to the arm. Inflammation in this plexus can cause pain in the ribs, shoulder, and arm.
- Cervical spondylosis can also cause this type of pain that is pain in the back and shoulder, radiating to the arm.
- Some times abdominal disorders can also give rise to this type of pain due to the close proximity to the diaphragm, which shares the nerve with the arm and the back
Consult your doctor for physical examination, as certain investigation may be necessary like X-ray, electrocardiogram, and blood tests.
Meanwhile you can do hot water fomentation on the affected area.