What could be the cause of pain around the rib cage on the left side?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pain around the left rib cage can stem from several conditions, most commonly costochondritis (inflammation of the rib cartilage), intercostal neuralgia (irritated nerves between the ribs), muscle strain, or referred pain from organs like the spleen, stomach, or heart. The cause can range from minor and self-limiting to serious, so identifying the source matters.

Because left-sided rib pain has many possible causes—some harmless, others urgent—the fastest way to understand your symptoms is to use a free, instant, online symptom check. In just a few minutes, you'll get personalized insights based on your specific symptoms, helping you decide whether to monitor at home, see a primary care provider, or seek emergency care. Don't guess when clarity is one click away.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Pain near the left side of your rib cage can stem from several conditions. One possibility is costochondritis—inflammation of the cartilage connecting your ribs to your breastbone. When inflamed, this area becomes sore and tender to movement or touch.

Another common cause is intercostal neuralgia, where the nerves between your ribs become irritated or injured. This condition typically causes sharp or burning pain that may persist.

Other causes of left sided rib pain include chest wall injuries or trauma, muscle strain from overuse or sudden movements, and pleurisy (inflammation of the lung lining). Some people may also experience referred pain from underlying organs like the heart, stomach, or spleen.

If you experience persistent or worsening pain, you can start by taking a free symptom checker quiz to help identify potential causes, then seek evaluation from a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

(References)

Fazekas D, Doroshenko M, Horn DB. Intercostal Neuralgia. [Updated 2023 Aug 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Schumann JA, Sood T, Parente JJ. Costochondritis. [Updated 2024 Apr 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Kumar R, Ganghi R, Rana V, Bose M. The painful rib syndrome. Indian J Anaesth. 2013 May;57(3):311-3. doi: 10.4103/0019-5049.115585. PMID: 23983300; PMCID: PMC3748696.

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