Hi, I just sneezed and I felt like as if I tore something on the right side of my abdomen, right below the rib cage. I am now experiencing  extreme pain by moving, coughing and even taking a deep breath. I am currently dealing with a cold and it is not helping this matter any. Is this similar to a muscle tear that will heal with time or is this something more serious. I am a 49 year old male, thanks in advance.
Hi. The most probable reason I can think of is the fracture of the lower rib/s. The best diagnosis is gone for an X-ray for the ribs, and the local tenderness and history of increase in pain on moving, coughing and deep breathing is classical. I would advise the following treatment. I would advise you to get an MRI/ CT Scan of the painful area, telling the Radiologist to be specifically see for the painful-tender area. This will confirm the diagnosis. I would suggest the following treatment.-Rest to the area by means of strapping with the Adhesive tapes during the deep Expiration phase. This will limit the movement, reduce the pain and give rest for healing to occur.-Anti-inflammatory medicines in full dose as per the weight.-Steroids if required for its strong anti-inflammatory role.-Las ix to reduce the edema. This sort of treatment helps all my patients. And should help you too.