Anxiety May Be Causing That Rib Pain

Rib pain can be a frightening and while there are ample causes of rib pain that may be serious, this can actually be a symptom of anxiety for some people. While only a doctor can diagnose your rib pain, anyone living with anxiety should mention their anxiety to their doctor. You may find that the rib pain that has caused you so much concern is nothing more than a strange anxiety symptom that you just can't shake.

Some People Are More Prone to Rib Pain

Rib pain is associated with some types of anxiety more than others. While anyone can have some type of pain in their rib related to their anxiety, those with anxiety attacks and other symptoms of breathing issues related to anxiety may be more prone to that type of pain.

What Causes Rib Discomfort From Anxiety?

Stress has a shocking effect on your body - an effect that is almost impossible to quantify, and one that can affect you in ways that even doctors don't understand. But generally there are two causes of rib pain from anxiety. They are:

• Tension Muscle tension in your chest and stomach has a tendency to lead to rib pain. The tension itself not only puts pressure on your ribs - it also puts pressure on your lungs and abdomen, which can cause you to feel pain in the rib area. 
• Chest Pain Breathing issues that occur during anxiety can also cause chest pain, and the chest pain often feels like it's coming from closer to your ribs. Despite this chest pain, there is nothing wrong with your heart, but often because chest pain is associated with heart issues many people find that their rib pain causes significant health fears.

There are other strange rib pain causes as well. Anxiety makes you more likely to toss and turn in your sleep, for example, and this may lead to rib pain. It's also possible for ticks or breathing exercises improperly performed to lead to stress on your ribs.