Published on: 5/6/2025
Pain in the right rib area can happen because the nerves between the ribs become irritated (intercostal neuralgia), the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone gets swollen (costochondritis), or because one or more ribs move out of place (painful rib syndrome).
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 it is important to have any continuing rib pain checked by a doctor. They can help identify the exact cause and suggest the right treatment to make the pain go away.
(References)
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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