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Published on: 8/20/2026
What are the possible causes for my ribs to hurt?
Rib pain is most often caused by musculoskeletal issues such as muscle strain, bruised or fractured ribs, or costochondritis (inflammation of the rib cartilage). However, rib pain can also signal problems in nearby organs, including the lungs, heart, liver, gallbladder, or spleen. Because the cause can range from minor to serious, identifying the underlying issue matters.
Since rib pain has many possible causes—some harmless, others requiring prompt care—it's worth clarifying what may be driving your symptoms before deciding on next steps. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand your condition and how to proceed with confidence.
Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
4 answersThe most common questions people search after this page
- Most askedWhy do my ribs hurt when I inhale after sitting hunched at a desk all day?
- How do I know if a spasm under my right ribs is muscular or something more serious like gallbladder or liver issues?
- What could cause pain in the ribs on the left side?
- Why do I keep getting spasms under my right ribs, and how can I prevent them?
Concerned about your symptoms?
Explanation
Rib pain can have several different causes. Common causes include:
- Muscle strain from overuse or sudden movements
- Bruising or fractures from physical impact or trauma
- Inflammation of the cartilage between ribs (costochondritis)
Pain in your ribs may also come from nearby organs. For instance, chest pain could signal heart problems, while pain in your right-sided ribs might suggest gallbladder issues. Other less common causes of rib pain include osteoporosis (weakening of bones), cancerous tumors that have spread to the ribs, and certain inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions are less common but should be considered if pain persists or is accompanied by other symptoms. If you're experiencing unexplained rib pain, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to help identify possible causes and determine whether you should seek medical attention.
(References)
Schumann JA, Sood T, Parente JJ. Costochondritis. [Updated 2024 Apr 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Kuo K, Kim AM. Rib Fracture. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. 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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