Pain at top of ribs

[Pleasedontdothat]

Any ideas what this might be? For the last week I’ve had constant pain at the top of my ribs - when I press it it feels like it’s bruised although there’s no marks on my skin. It’s extra painful if I cough or stretch my arms and when I’m changing position in bed. It almost feels like it’s broken but I can’t think of anything which could have caused it. I’m 61 and otherwise in good health. Should I be concerned or wait for it to go away? Has anyone had anything similar?

Have you taken any painkillers?

It could just be a pulled muscle but if in doubt, get checked out.

It could be your organs depending where and which side it's located, inflammation can cause pain, best to describe your symptoms to a doctor.

Costochondritis?

Which side? Could be gallstones or pancreas? Or a pulled muscle.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/muscle-pain-it-may-actually-be-your-fascia

This is interesting. Tight fascia can cause the feeling you describe. I get tender around my ribs too. It's not like a pulled muscle and doesn't stop movement, but it can feel very sore to touch.

I had similar about 25 years ago. It was absolute agony changing position in bed, climbing the stairs ... I practically had to crawl up when it was particularly bad, crying my eyes out, terrified as to what it could be! Coughing and stretching - oh don't remind me!
Anyway, I eventually went to the doctors and it turned out I had pleurisy. A week of very strong painkillers and it went away, never to return.

Thanks - it’s on the left hand side directly underneath my boob. I don’t think it can be my lungs because it’s very localised, a patch about 2-3 cms across, but very sore. I’ve made an appointment to see my GP on Monday.