“Unusual pain?”
I have recently (2 weeks now) have developed a strange pain and skin numbness just below the Xiphoid process on the left side of my ribcage. It is at times quite painful and there are, at times, a kind of popping feeling when this happens usually when I reach for something or stretch. I have no other symptoms that are associated with this. I should also mention that I have 3 of my cervical vertebrae that were surgically fused in about 1994. But no shortness of breath or any other symptoms that may indicate a heart problem or unusual coughing or congestion. Is this something I should be concerned about?
Male | 62 years old
Complaint duration: 2 weeks
Medications: levothyroxine
Conditions: Back problems, hypothyroid
1 Answer
Transient sternocostal rib dysfunction may occur in some people. Osteoarthritis may play a component, but autoimmune mediated disorders may play a part in some people. When it comes to "chest" pain, it is always recommended to see your doctor for an evaluation. Worsening chest pain is never normal and one should seek immediate medical attention in response.
