What could cause pain near the rib cage on the left side?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pain near the left rib cage is often caused by conditions such as costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone), intercostal neuralgia (nerve pain between the ribs), muscle strain, or referred pain from organs like the spleen, stomach, or heart. Identifying the exact cause depends on the type of pain, its location, and accompanying symptoms.

Because left rib cage pain can range from harmless muscle irritation to signs of a more serious underlying condition, understanding your symptoms early is essential. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you clarify what may be causing your discomfort, identify possible conditions, and guide your next steps—whether that's home care or seeing a doctor. It's a fast, private way to gain clarity before your pain worsens or leads to unnecessary worry.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

One possible cause is costochondritis. This occurs when the cartilage connecting your ribs to your breastbone becomes inflamed, causing soreness or sharp pain near the rib cage. Another possibility is intercostal neuralgia, where the nerves between your ribs become irritated. This can cause a burning, tingling, or aching pain on the left side. Other causes of pain near the ribs on the left side include musculoskeletal injuries, pleurisy (inflammation of the lung lining), and even heart-related conditions in some cases. Conditions affecting the stomach or spleen may also be felt on the left side. If the pain persists or worsens, you can use a free symptom checker to help identify potential causes before consulting a doctor for a proper evaluation and treatment recommendations.

(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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