In which areas is rib pain typically felt?

Rib pain is often felt right over or along the ribs. Many times, people experience it along the side of the chest, where the ribs join together. This area is called the rib cage. Sometimes, the pain is felt in the front where the ribs meet the breastbone, as happens with costochondritis.

In other cases, the pain might run along the nerves that lie between the ribs, which can make the pain spread from the front, to the sides, and even to the back. With conditions like a rib fracture or intercostal neuralgia, the pain can be sharp and move along the path of the rib and the surrounding muscles. The location of the pain can help doctors determine its cause, whether it is due to an injury, inflammation, or a problem with the nerves.

If you or someone you know is having this kind of pain, you can start by using a free symptom checker to help identify possible causes before speaking with a doctor.