How to treat recurring stabbing pain on rib area?
Patient: Hi- wonder if you can help. I have had, for the past 3 or 4 days, a recurring stabbing pain, which moves around. Worst when at lower left rib area, towards side, around 3 rib up from bottom, but also moves to pectoral area (less stabbing) either directly above or below nipple area - am male, 38 in good general health, bp & heart ok Doctor: Hi,  As you are in a good general health and you did not mention a history of trauma, this is almost certainly a benign and self-limiting problem.   The most common cause of your problem is a local spasm or a trigger point in the muscles between the ribs (intercostal muscles).   This is not a serious problem and usually resolves after 1-2 weeks or less.   If the problem persists for more than 2 weeks, I advise to take a plain x-ray and look at the rib bones (most probably will not be necessary).   Meanwhile, you can look for a possible source of the pain by palpating all the areas at lower rib region.   If you found a tender spot, you can use local heat as well as gentle massaging (better with a relaxing gel such as Mineral Ice gel (or any gel that has Menthol in it)).   Again, this could be self-limiting but it persists for more than 2 weeks a more detailed exam, as well as an X-ray, could be necessary.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.  Take care  Regards, Dr Hooman Mahmoudi, Neurologist