Hello, I have been having a pain in the area of the ribs on the left side, it started on 31st December 2011 when I was walking back to the car from shopping. It hurt nearly every day ever since (not all the time, but a few times a day). Today it has been hurting for about 2 hours without stopping and a few times every now and again before that. It still hasnt stopped and it hurts really much. It makes it hard to breathe because when I breathe it hurts even more.
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Chest pain on breathing is seen in pleurisy (inflammation of pleura). And lung infection is the most common cause for this. So we should first rule out lung infection. So get done chest x-ray. If chest x-ray is normal then no need to worry about lung infection. Musculoskeletal pain also cause similar kind of long-standing pain. So avoid heavyweight lifting and strenuous exercise. Avoid movements causing pain. Avoid bad postures in sleep. Apply warm water pad on affected areas. Start painkiller and muscle relaxant Chat Doctor.  Don't worry, you will be alright with all these, but first rule out lung infection. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.