I thought I had a broken rib, lower left 2. Chest x-ray shows nothing. ongoing 3 weeks, feels like pressure pushing on rib cage. If I move certain ways I get pain fron the bottom 2 ribs to the middle of my upper stomach down below my ribs maybe 2-3 inches as well. I can t lay down without pain, I cannot breathe deep without pain, I cannot have my dog (Winnie) put her paw on me without pain.
Hi, Thank you for providing the brief history of you. A thorough musculoskeletal assessment is advised with CT scan of the chest to rule out any hair line fracture. As the pain is in the lower area of the left side of the lungs, it can be because of hairline fracture or muscle injury. Undergoing physical therapy like - therapeutic ultrasound therapy will help reduce inflammation and pain. Also, it is harmless with no side effects. Performing costal breathing exercises will be of choice to regain the muscle strength and avoid pain and aches. You can learn the exercise from the physical therapist and also from the net. It is simple and useful too. In my clinical practice such patients respond well to physical therapy will the majority of positive outcome score. RegardsJay In Chat Doctor.