Rib Cage Pain When Turning: Causes and When to Seek Care

Possible Causes of Lateral Rib Pain on Rotation

• Muscle strain/tear – overuse or trauma.
• Rib fracture – pain worsens with deep breathing/turning.
• Costochondritis – cartilage inflammation at sternum; sharp chest pain with movement.
• Intercostal neuralgia – nerve irritation between ribs; sharp/burning pain with movement.
• Pleurisy – lung lining inflammation; sharp pain with breathing/turning.
• Pneumonia – infection; chest pain, fever, cough, dyspnea.
• Pericarditis – heart sac inflammation; pain with coughing/turning.
• Hiatal hernia – stomach protrudes through diaphragm; chest pain, heartburn, dysphagia.

Red Flags – See a Doctor Immediately

• Severe or unrelenting pain
• Shortness of breath, chest tightness, rapid pulse
• Fever or cough
• Pain after trauma/fall

Treatment

Depends on cause: rest, ice/heat, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, rarely surgery.