Could my lower back pain be due to a rib contusion or sprain?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 45-year-old female. My weight is 190 lbs. I am getting pain, which starts in the right lower back. It hurts when I breathe and also when I stand, sit and sleep.

I know that it is not kidney stones. But I do not know what it is. I am not on any regular medication.

Thankyou

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query, and I can understand your concern.

Pain over the back while breathing needs to be evaluated thoroughly. In most cases, it is caused by some minor condition like sprained rib or some contusion of the rib caused by minor trauma or fall.

Also, we have to rule out some other heart and lung conditions like pericarditis and pleural effusion.

The probable cause is minor trauma or a lung infection. Suggested investigations include a chest X-ray, ECG, and echocardiography. Differential diagnoses include pericarditis or a rib fracture, with a likely diagnosis of a sprained rib.

I suggest you consult a general physician and do the following.

A short course of antibiotics may be needed. Other investigations may be necessary depending upon the initial evaluation, like the echo test to rule out pericarditis. As of now, you can take analgesics like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen for pain.

Thank you.