What Could Cause Pain between the Rib Cage?

When you feel pain between your ribs, it might be caused by one of several conditions. One common cause is costochondritis, which happens when the cartilage that connects your ribs to your breastbone becomes swollen or irritated. This can make the chest area feel sore, especially when you press on it or move in certain ways. Another possible reason is intercostal neuralgia, which means the nerves located between your ribs are irritated or pinched. This nerve pain can feel sharp, burning, or aching along the spaces of the rib cage. Some people also have a variation called atypical costochondritis, a form of costochondritis that might benefit from treatments like rib manipulation and soft tissue mobilization to soothe the pain. Each of these causes affects the tissues around the rib cage differently. It’s a good idea to talk with a doctor if the pain keeps coming or gets worse so they can check you out and decide on the best way to help you feel better.