What could cause pain under rib cage and back while breathing deep?
Patient: Have a medium pain in my right side, under my rib cage in line with my arm when arm is extended straight down . The pain is also felt in my back and under my right breast bone . The pain increases with each breath I take to the polnt the breath is shortened and the pain is compounded if I lay down . I am a 66 year old male in fair physical condition , l walk do yard work without any muscle discomfort. I am recovering from back surgery last Dec. and a full left hip replacement in April this year , but I m sure the operations have nothing to do with this pain . Thank you for any information you may provide . Doctor: Thanks for your question on HCM.Chest pain on deep inspiration is seen in pleurisy.  Pleurisy is inflammation of pleura and can be seen in1. Pneumonia2. Pleural effusion3. Tuberculosis. So ee need to rule out all these first.Get done chest x ray to rule out all these.If chest x ray is normal than no need to worry much. It might be due to musculoskeletal pain only.So try to follow these.1. Avoid strenuous exercise. 2. Avoid heavy weight lifting.3. Take good painkillers with muscle relaxant. 4. Avoid bad postures in sleep.5. Apply warm water pad to the affected part.