Pain Under Left Rib Cage: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Pain under the left rib cage is a symptom that many people experience at some point, but it can feel alarming because of the important organs located in this area. 

The left side of the rib cage protects parts of the heart, lungs, stomach, spleen, pancreas, colon, and even the left kidney. 

When pain occurs here, it may stem from something as simple as trapped gas or a strained muscle, but it can also signal more serious issues such as heart problems, lung infections, or gastrointestinal disorders.

Anatomy Around the Left Rib Cage

To understand why you might feel discomfort in this area, lets first look at which organs are located under the left rib cage.

This region is not protected by bones alone, it houses several vital organs and soft tissues that can all contribute to pain when affected.

• Heart – The upper left side of the chest cavity contains part of the heart. Conditions such as angina or even a heart attack may cause pain under the left rib cage.

• Lungs – The left lung sits just behind the rib cage. Infections like pneumonia, inflammation such as pleurisy, or a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) can trigger sharp or stabbing pain.

• Spleen – Located just under the left ribs, the spleen plays a role in filtering blood and immune function. An enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) due to infection or injury often causes tenderness in this area.

• Stomach – The upper portion of the stomach lies beneath the ribs. Issues such as gastritis, acid reflux (GERD), or stomach ulcers can cause burning or gnawing discomfort.

• Colon – The splenic flexure of the colon, where the large intestine bends near the spleen, can trap gas and cause pain under the ribs, commonly referred to as splenic flexure syndrome.

• Pancreas – Positioned deep in the abdomen, the pancreas may cause left-sided pain when inflamed (pancreatitis) or affected by other disorders.

• Kidney – Though located toward the back, the left kidney can radiate pain to the front of the abdomen and ribs, especially in cases of kidney stones or infections.

• Muscles and Cartilage – The intercostal muscles and the cartilage connecting ribs to the sternum can become strained or inflamed (costochondritis), resulting in localized pain that worsens with movement.

Common Causes of Pain Under the Left Rib Cage

Below are the most common causes of pain under the left rib cage, organized by the body system:

Digestive System Causes

The digestive system is one of the most frequent sources of discomfort under the ribs.

• Gas and bloating – Excessive trapped gas in the colon near the spleen (known as splenic flexure syndrome) can cause sharp, cramp-like pain under the ribs. Bloating often worsens after heavy meals or carbonated drinks.

• Acid reflux / GERD – When stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, it causes burning pain under the left rib cage and chest, commonly described as heartburn.

• Gastritis or stomach ulcers – Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) or peptic ulcers can cause gnawing or burning pain in the upper abdomen that sometimes radiates to the ribs.

• Constipation – Severe constipation can create pressure in the intestines, resulting in discomfort under the left side of the rib cage.

Musculoskeletal Causes

Sometimes, the pain isn’t from internal organs but rather from muscles, bones, or cartilage around the ribs.

• Muscle strain from exercise or heavy lifting – Overstretching or overuse of the intercostal muscles can cause soreness that mimics internal pain.

• Rib injury or fracture – Trauma to the chest, such as falls, sports injuries, or accidents, may lead to bruising or even rib fractures, causing sharp pain with movement or breathing.

• Costochondritis – This is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects ribs to the sternum. It creates localized tenderness under the ribs and often worsens when pressing on the chest or during physical activity.

Heart and Lung Causes

Because of the proximity of the heart and lungs, pain under the left rib cage can sometimes be a sign of a serious condition.

• Heart attack or angina – A heart attack may cause crushing pain under the ribs or chest, radiating to the arm, jaw, or back. Angina, caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, often leads to squeezing chest pain during exertion.

• Pericarditis – Inflammation of the lining around the heart can cause sharp, stabbing chest pain that feels worse when lying down and improves when sitting up.

• Pneumonia or pleurisy – Lung infections such as pneumonia or pleurisy (inflammation of the lung lining) can cause sharp, stabbing pain under the ribs, often worsened by deep breaths or coughing.

Other Medical Causes

Beyond digestion, musculoskeletal, heart, and lung issues, other organs in this region can also trigger discomfort.

• Spleen enlargement or rupture – An enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) due to infection or blood disorders can cause dull pain under the ribs. A ruptured spleen from trauma requires emergency treatment.

• Kidney stones or infection – The left kidney, located toward the back, can radiate pain to the front under the ribs if affected by kidney stones or urinary tract infections.

• Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas often causes intense, persistent pain in the upper abdomen that may spread to the left ribs and even the back.

Female Pain Under the Left Rib Cage

Pain under the left rib cage in females can sometimes be related to unique hormonal and reproductive health factors that men typically don’t encounter.

While digestive, cardiac, or musculoskeletal issues remain common causes, women may also experience discomfort linked to pregnancy, menstrual cycles, or gynecological conditions.

One common reason is pregnancy-related changes. As the uterus expands during later stages of pregnancy, it can press upward against the diaphragm and rib cage, leading to female pain under the left rib cage back or in the front. This discomfort may worsen when sitting or lying in certain positions.

Another possible factor is endometriosis, a condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. If this tissue spreads near the diaphragm or abdominal cavity, women may feel dull pain under the left rib cage that sometimes radiates to the back or shoulder.

Ovarian cysts and other gynecological conditions can also trigger referred pain that is felt in the upper abdomen near the ribs. In such cases, the pain may fluctuate with the menstrual cycle or appear alongside symptoms like bloating and pelvic discomfort.

When Pain Is Serious and Not to Ignore

Not all discomfort around the ribs is minor. In some cases, pain under the left rib cage can be a warning sign of a serious medical condition. Recognizing these red flags early can make a critical difference in treatment and recovery.

• Severe chest pressure spreading to the arm or jaw

If you feel crushing or squeezing pain under your left rib cage that radiates to the arm, shoulder, or jaw, it may indicate angina or a heart attack. This is a medical emergency and requires calling emergency services immediately.

• Sudden stabbing pain with shortness of breath

Sharp pain under the rib cage combined with difficulty breathing may be linked to pneumothorax (collapsed lung) or pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs). Both conditions are life-threatening if not treated quickly.

• Pain with fever, nausea, or vomiting blood

If rib cage pain comes with high fever, chills, or vomiting blood, it may signal serious infections (like pneumonia or kidney infection) or bleeding stomach ulcers. These require urgent medical evaluation.

• Chronic, unexplained pain lasting for weeks

Ongoing or dull pain under the left rib cage that persists without a clear cause should not be ignored. It may be related to spleen disorders, pancreatic disease, or even cancers, which need medical testing for proper diagnosis.

Pain Under Left Rib Cage During Specific Situations

Many people notice that pain under the left rib cage worsens or appears in certain situations. Recognizing when the pain occurs can provide important clues about the underlying cause. Below are common scenarios where rib cage pain might be triggered:

• Pain after eating

If discomfort develops shortly after meals, it may be related to acid reflux, gastritis, stomach ulcers, or gas buildup. Overeating or eating spicy, fatty foods can place extra pressure on the stomach, leading to pain under the left rib cage after eating.

• Pain while breathing

Sharp or stabbing pain that worsens with deep breaths may point to pleurisy (inflammation around the lungs), pneumonia, or even a pulmonary embolism. Sometimes, muscle strain in the chest wall can also cause pain under the left rib cage when breathing.

• Pain when bending over or lying down

If pain increases in these positions, it could indicate acid reflux, hiatal hernia, or pregnancy-related pressure. In some cases, lying down can also make gas pain under the left rib cage feel more intense.

• Pain with movement or exercise

Activities like lifting, running, or twisting can strain the muscles and cartilage around the ribs, leading to musculoskeletal pain. This is especially common in cases of costochondritis or rib injury.

• Pain at night

Discomfort that worsens during sleep or when lying on one side could be due to digestive issues, spleen problems, or even kidney-related pain radiating to the front. If night pain is persistent, it should always be checked by a doctor.

Final Thoughts

Pain under the left rib cage can come from digestive issues, muscle strain, heart conditions, or infections. While some cases are mild, others may signal serious health problems. 

If you have persistent, dull pain under the left rib cage or symptoms like chest pressure, shortness of breath, or pain spreading to the back, seek medical help immediately. 

Always consult a doctor to find the exact cause and get proper treatment.

FAQs About Pain Under the Left Rib Cage