I have pain and weakness on one side of my belly.
My upper belly felt very tight during some stretches. Then I lay on my tummy and my ribs cracked. I'm now in pain on my ribs.
Went to the doctor and they said it was the cartilage that was hurting from a physical exam (Costochondritis). They have given a form for an exam but said that if I've broken a bone, they wouldn't treat it as outcome is the same. I've had several manageable injuries/pains recently (both feet, lower back), so they suggested bloods for inflammatory diseases. All has come up negative. So it's likely to be a mechanical issue.
The rib pain is subsiding now after the injury and I'm trying to get active again. It hurts to lie on my back though, as all the muscles pull at it as I get in to position. If I lie on my back I can lift one leg very easily, but if I try to lift the leg on the same side as the painful rib it won't move. It's like my tummy muscles on that side don't work anymore. I used to be able to do a bridge easily now it's really tough.
I feel like something must have caused the rib to crack, as all I did to injury it was to relax on my front. Now the injury to the joint is hurting less. I'm surprised I have no power in the tummy muscles attached to the rib.
Any idea what could be wrong?
The doctors think it's the end of the story as I don't have autoimmune rheumatic diseases.