Should a protruding left rib cage worry us ?
Patient: My left rib cage is protruding; saw a breast surgeon who wasn t concerned. Had a chest xray and nothing showed. It is not painful; however, it is uncomfortable. More important is the pain on the right and left side of my rib cage. If I fold my arms across my chest, the pain is at both sides where my hands are. It feels like it is right under the rib cage. I am getting no help from my primary. I have not been diagnosed as having celiac; however I have a very bad gluten allergy and have been off gluten for almost 5 years. I am 5 4 and 128 pounds, with extreme fatigue. My GYN was very concerned and that is why I went to the breast surgeon. I wouldn t even know what type of physician I should see at this point. Doctor: Hello,  The protruding rib cage can be related to a muscle weakness. The abdominal muscles play a large role in holding your rib cage in place. If the muscles on one side of your body are weaker, it may be causing one side of your rib cage to stick out or sit unevenly.  I suggest doing physical therapy and exercise to treat it. No other treatment is required.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.  Regards, Dr. Dorina Gurabardhi, General & Family Physician