Question
Hi,

I am a 20 year old female.  For about 4 days now, I have been having very slight pains in my rib cage (both sides usually).  So I'm not in agony and I am still able to do my normal everyday activiies, but I'm just kind of worried because it still hasn't gone away.  It's usually just this slight pain that comes and goes, and usually doesn't last that long.  But I seem to get it more at night, and then it lasts longer too as well as coming more frequently.  Sometimes, I will notice it hurt more if I take a really deep breath.  90% of the time, this pain is in the rib cage, but I have also felt it in my chest, breast, side, and back.  The pain in the chest actually started right after I returned from a long 11-hour car trip, which I slept a lot during and like most people, I kind of slept in a funny position having to sit upright in the car, so I was sure that the chest pain was just from straining it.  But then the rib cage thing started just about two days later, and I haven't had the issue in my chest anymore.  I don't know what to think or if I should be concerned and go to the doctor.  It hasn't gotten worse at all, but it's just not going away.  What might this be?

Also, in case it's important, I do not and have never smoked, and I could stand to lose some weight, but I'm not obese and my doctor has never actually expressed concern over my weight.

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Hannah,
I'm a nurse, not a doctor, so I have to advise you thusly. Since you have not actually injured yourself, it sounds as if the pain could be coming from the 11-hour trip you took in which you slept in a very strange position. It does not sound as if you have a fractured rib, but possibly a STRAINED cartilage. This can be quite uncomfortable, especially upon movement. I would suggest you take ibuprofen every six hours because this is an anti-inflammatory drug and will actually help get rid of some of the swelling and inflammation in the area. If it continues after another week you might want to consult a physician. I don't feel it is serious, but you never want to ignore a pain such as this for more than two weeks. I hope you feel much better. Don't forget to take the ibuprofen, (Or naproxen). You can buy them over the counter. OK?