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Published on: 5/15/2025

What Could Cause Pain Around the Rib Cage on Both Sides?

Tomas Diaz

Reviewed by Tomas Diaz, MD

Emergency Medicine

Pain around the rib cage on both sides can be caused by conditions affecting muscles, nerves, or nearby organs.

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Explanation

Pain around both sides of the rib cage may be caused by various conditions. Common causes include:

  • Chest wall muscle strain or injury from physical activities, repetitive movements, or coughing
  • Inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs (costochondritis)
  • Nerve-related pain between the ribs (intercostal neuralgia)
  • Conditions affecting the lining of the lungs (pleurisy)

Less common causes include:

  • Twelfth rib syndrome, which causes pain in the lower rib area
  • Fibromyalgia, a chronic condition causing widespread musculoskeletal pain
  • Certain gastrointestinal conditions that can refer pain to the rib area

If you experience ongoing pain around the rib cage, it is important to talk with a healthcare professional to help find the exact cause and the best treatment options for you.

(References)

  • Barranco-Trabi J, Mank V, Roberts J, Newman DP. Atypical Costochondritis: Complete Resolution of Symptoms After Rib Manipulation and Soft Tissue Mobilization. Cureus. 2021 Apr 8;13(4):e14369. doi: 10.7759/cureus.14369. PMID: 33976991; PMCID: PMC8106472.

  • Jung J, Lee M, Choi D. Twelfth rib syndrome: a case report. J Int Med Res. 2020 Sep;48(9):300060520952651. doi: 10.1177/0300060520952651. PMID: 32883133; PMCID: PMC7479855.

  • Fazekas D, Doroshenko M, Horn DB. Intercostal Neuralgia. [Updated 2023 Aug 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet].

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