Back & Rib Pain: Causes, Relief & When It’s Serious

Key takeaways:

• Back and rib pain can be connected to everyday factors and serious health conditions.
• Understanding the cause is crucial for finding relief and knowing when to seek medical help.
• Early intervention and proper care can prevent pain from worsening and improve quality of life.

Back and rib pain can feel alarming, especially when the discomfort is persistent or severe. While occasional aches may be normal after physical activity or poor posture, pain in both the back and ribs might signal something more serious. The rib cage protects vital organs, including the heart and lungs, so understanding the potential causes of this discomfort is important for your health.

This article explores the connection between back and rib pain, symptoms to watch for, potential causes, and when to seek medical attention. By understanding these factors, you’ll be better equipped to manage your pain and find solutions.

Are back pain and rib pain related?

Yes, back pain and rib pain are often connected because of how the muscles, bones, and your torso’s nerves work together. Your ribs attach to your spine, creating a structural framework that supports your body and protects vital organs. When something disrupts this system—like muscle strain, injury, or inflammation—it can lead to pain in both areas.

For example, poor posture while sitting or standing can tighten the muscles between your ribs and around your spine, leading to discomfort. Similarly, an issue like a pinched nerve in your upper back can cause pain that radiates to the ribcage. Recognizing this connection can help you pinpoint the root cause and find effective ways to address it.

Normal vs. abnormal back and rib pain

Not all back and rib pain is a cause for concern. Mild discomfort from physical activity, like lifting heavy objects or sleeping in an awkward position, is generally normal and resolves within a few days.

Abnormal pain, however, tends to be severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, numbness, or fever. For instance, sharp pain under the ribs combined with nausea could indicate gallbladder problems, while chest pressure and back pain might signal a cardiac issue.

Differentiating between normal and abnormal pain is key to knowing when medical attention is necessary. Read our full guide on different types of back pain for a more in-depth look.

Symptoms associated with back pain and rib pain

Pain in the back and ribs can manifest in various ways, depending on the underlying cause. Here are some common symptoms to be aware of:

Stiffness or tightness

Feeling stiff in your upper or lower back, particularly after sitting or sleeping, could indicate muscle tension.

This tightness may extend to the ribs, especially if the intercostal muscles (muscles between your ribs) are affected.

Sharp or shooting pain

Sharp pain in the ribs or back might suggest nerve involvement. Conditions like a pinched nerve or costochondritis (inflammation of cartilage in the ribcage) can create sudden, localized discomfort that worsens with movement.

Radiating pain

Pain that radiates from the spine to the ribs can point to issues like a herniated disc or spinal misalignment.

In these cases, pressure on the spinal nerves can cause pain to travel along their pathways.

Difficulty breathing

If back and rib pain makes it hard to breathe, it could be due to rib injuries, inflammation, or even lung-related conditions. For instance, pleurisy (inflammation of the lining around the lungs) can cause sharp pain with every breath.

Causes of back pain and rib pain

Understanding the potential causes of back and rib pain can help you take the right steps toward relief. Here are four common reasons for this type of discomfort:

Muscle strain

Overusing or straining the muscles in your back or ribcage is one of the most common causes of pain.

This can happen during activities like heavy lifting, sports, or even coughing. For example, twisting awkwardly while lifting something could lead to strained intercostal muscles, causing pain in both the ribs and back.

Poor posture

Slouching or sitting for long periods can tighten the muscles supporting your spine and ribs.

Over time, this tension can lead to chronic pain in these areas. If you spend a lot of time hunched over a computer, you might notice pain spreading from your upper back to your ribcage.

Rib injuries

A fractured or bruised rib can cause significant pain in both the ribs and back. Rib injuries often result from trauma, like a fall or car accident, and may worsen with deep breaths or movement.

Nerve compression

Conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis can compress nearby nerves, leading to pain that radiates from your back to your ribs. For example, a herniated disc in the thoracic spine may cause pain along the rib cage, especially with twisting or bending motions.

Considerations based on the back and rib pain’s location

Where you feel back and rib pain can provide clues about its cause. Let’s explore how pain in different areas might be interpreted:

Pain below or on both ribs and all over back

Discomfort in this area often points to muscle tension or inflammation affecting multiple muscle groups.

It may also be related to kidney issues, especially changes in urination accompany the pain. Staying hydrated and avoiding activities that strain your back can help alleviate mild cases, but a doctor should evaluate persistent pain.

Pain below or on the left rib and left back

Pain on the left side can sometimes be linked to problems with the spleen, stomach, or pancreas.

For example, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) can cause sharp, persistent pain that radiates to the back. Muscle strain is another common cause, particularly if you’ve recently engaged in physical activity that favored one side of your body.

Pain below or on the right rib and right back

Pain on the right side is often associated with liver or gallbladder issues. For instance, gallstones can cause sharp pain under the right rib that radiates to the back, especially after eating fatty foods.

If this type of pain is severe or frequent, seek medical advice promptly.

Lower back and rib pain

Lower back and rib pain can result from a variety of issues, including posture problems, muscle tension, or even kidney-related conditions.

For example, poor lifting technique or prolonged sitting might lead to lower back strain that radiates to the ribs. In other cases, pain in this area could signal kidney stones or infections, especially if accompanied by symptoms like fever or changes in urination.

Upper back and rib pain

Pain in the upper back and ribs is often linked to muscle strain or posture-related issues. Slouching while sitting or carrying heavy bags on one shoulder can overstress the muscles around the spine and ribcage.

This type of pain may also stem from conditions like thoracic outlet syndrome, where nerves or blood vessels near the upper ribs become compressed.

How to get relief from back and rib pain at home

Many cases of back and rib pain can be managed with simple at-home remedies. Here are a few options:

Gentle stretching

Stretching helps release tension in the muscles and improve flexibility.

For rib pain, try side stretches by reaching one arm overhead and bending gently to the opposite side. For back pain, cat-cow stretches or seated forward folds can help relieve tightness in the spine and surrounding muscles.

Heat or ice therapy

Heat can relax tense muscles and improve blood flow, while ice can reduce inflammation and numb pain.

Use a heating pad or an ice pack for 15–20 minutes at a time, depending on what provides the most relief.

Over-the-counter pain relievers

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and inflammation.

However, they should only be used as a short-term solution and not as a substitute for addressing the root cause of the pain.

When to see a doctor about back and rib pain

While many cases of back and rib pain resolve on their own, some symptoms require medical attention.

You should see a doctor if:

• Pain persists for more than a week despite at-home treatments.
• You experience additional symptoms, like numbness, tingling, or weakness in your limbs.
• The pain interferes with daily activities or sleep.
• You notice swelling, bruising, or unexplained weight loss.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• You experience sudden, severe pain that worsens rapidly.
• Back or rib pain is accompanied by difficulty breathing or chest pressure.
• You lose control of your bowel or bladder, which may indicate a serious condition like spinal cord compression.
• You experience fever or worsening pain which could indicate an infection such as pyelonephritis.

Questions to ask your doctor about back and rib pain

If you seek medical care, asking the right questions can help you get the most effective treatment. Consider these:

• What could be causing my back and rib pain?
• Are there specific tests I need to rule out serious conditions?
• What treatment options do you recommend for my situation?
• How can I prevent this type of pain from returning?

Frequently asked questions: back and rib pain

Back and rib pain can be confusing and frustrating, especially when it interferes with daily life. Below are answers to common questions to help you better understand your symptoms and when to seek help.

Why do your back and ribs hurt when you wake up?

Waking up with back and rib pain is often caused by poor sleeping posture or an unsupportive mattress.

For instance, sleeping on your stomach can strain your spine and ribcage, leading to stiffness in the morning. Consider switching to a firmer mattress or using a pillow to support your lower back to improve alignment.

How long can back and rib pain last before you should go to the doctor?

If back and rib pain lasts longer than a week or worsens over time, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. Pain accompanied by other symptoms, like difficulty breathing or changes in bowel or bladder habits, should be evaluated immediately.

Managing back and rib pain

Back and rib pain can range from mild discomfort to a sign of more serious issues. Understanding the connection between these areas, recognizing symptoms, and trying at-home remedies can help manage minor cases effectively. However, persistent or severe pain requires professional evaluation to ensure your long-term health and well-being.

By addressing the root cause of your pain and making small lifestyle adjustments, like improving posture or stretching regularly, you can reduce discomfort and maintain mobility for years to come.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Lane Thaut, DO.

Sources

Fernández-de Thomas RJ, De Jesus O. Thoracolumbar Spine Fracture. [Updated 2023 Aug 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562204/

DeSai C, Reddy V, Agarwal A. Anatomy, Back, Vertebral Column. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525969/

Johnson CD. ABC of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Upper abdominal pain: Gall bladder. BMJ. 2001 Nov 17;323(7322):1170-3. doi: 10.1136/bmj.323.7322.1170. PMID: 11711412; PMCID: PMC1121646. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1121646/pdf/1170.pdf

Casiano VE, Sarwan G, Dydyk AM, et al. Back Pain. [Updated 2023 Dec 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK538173/

Schumann JA, Sood T, Parente JJ. Costochondritis. [Updated 2024 Apr 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532931/

Gapp J, Tariq A, Chandra S. Acute Pancreatitis. [Updated 2023 Feb 9]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK482468/

Dydyk AM, Ngnitewe Massa R, Mesfin FB. Disc Herniation. [Updated 2023 Jan 16]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441822/

Hunter MP, Regunath H. Pleurisy. [Updated 2023 Jan 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558958/