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The health care provider will obtain your medical history and will perform a physical examination.
Medical history questions documenting rib cage pain in detail may include the following:
- When did the pain develop?
- Is it present all the time?
- Is it getting worse?
- How would you describe the pain?
- Is it a sharp or stabbing sensation?
- Does it feel like pulling or grabbing?
- Does it ache like a bruise?
- Is it a crushing pain?
- Does it feel like pressure or heaviness? (This may be a sign ofangina or heart attack)
- Exactly where is the pain?
- Is it only on one side?
- Is it the same on both sides?
- Is the pain worse when bending or twisting?
- Is it worse when coughing?
- Is it worse when breathing deeply?
- Has there been an injury to the chest?
- What other symptoms are also present?
Physical examination may include emphasis on the lungs and chest cavity.
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include the following:
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