What could be the cause of pain in the ribs on the right side?

There are a few reasons why you might feel pain in your right rib cage. One cause is intercostal neuralgia, which occurs when the nerves running between your ribs get irritated or pinched, and this can lead to a burning or sharp pain. Another common reason is costochondritis, where the cartilage that links your ribs to your breastbone becomes inflamed and causes tenderness and discomfort, especially when you touch the area or move your upper body. A third possibility is painful rib syndrome (sometimes known as slipping rib syndrome), where one or more ribs may move in an unusual way, irritating the surrounding tissues and leading to pain. Each of these conditions affects the chest area a bit differently, so if you're experiencing continuing rib pain, you can check your symptoms with our free AI-powered tool to better understand what might be causing your discomfort and determine whether you should see a doctor for the right treatment.