Decoding Symptoms: Rib Cage Pain and Spinal Tumors

Pain in the rib cage and spinal cord can be alarming. It may start as a minor pain as a result of muscle strain or injury. However, if go unnoticed, it may be an indication of an underlying serious condition. Spinal cord tumours are one of the causes of pain in the rib cage. However, it does not matter whether the pain is minor or occasional. It is essential to consider these symptoms. Further, it is also important to understand the connection between pain in the rib cage and spinal tumour symptoms to diagnose the underlying cause. In this post, we will focus on rib cage pain, spinal tumour symptoms, and the role of monitoring PSA levels in overall well-being. 

What are the Causes of Rib Cage Pain? 

Rib cage pain is a broader area and includes the area of the upper abdomen and chest. The level of pain may range from mild to severe, and there are many causes. Some of the most common causes include the following:

• A muscle strain or injury by doing exercise or lifting weight might be a cause of pain in the rib cage. 
• Any accident in the chest area causes sharp pain in the rib area. 
• Costochondritis is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the cartilage that connects the rib cage to the sternum. This pain is also mistaken as a heart condition. 
• Some breathing issues or pneumonia also cause pain in the rib cage.

All these causes and conditions do not pose any threat to human life as they are treatable. However, consistent pain in the ribcage is also an indication of serious health conditions such as spinal cord tumors. If this is the case, then there is a need for immediate treatment. 

What Do Spinal Tumor Symptoms Indicate? 

A spinal tumor refers to the buildup of abnormal tissues around the spinal cord. These tumors can be both benign and malignant. The tumors may develop in different parts of the spinal cord. However, in some cases, they get attached to nerves or bones, which may cause pain in the rib cage. The spinal tumor symptoms vary depending upon the size and location of tumors, but some of the most common symptoms include the following:

• Tumors located in the upper part of the spinal cord cause pain in the rib cage or lungs. 
• These tumors also cause a person to lose balance while walking or standing. 
• A consistent numbness or tingling in the torso and limbs with the growth of tumors. 
• Back or neck pain without any stressful workout is the most common symptom of spinal tumors. 

What are PSA levels, and is there any connection between PSA levels and Rib Cage Pain?
The monitoring of PSA levels also offers insight into the overall well-being of health and the cause of pain in the rib cage in men. The prostate gland in the men secretes PSA, which is a prostate-specific antigen. The low level of PSA does not indicate any threat. However, a high level of PSA indicates major issues related to the prostate gland and health. The high level of PSA indicates prostate cancer, but sometimes the pain radiates to different parts of the body, such as the rib cage, spinal cord, and back. Men over the age of fifty and having a family history of prostate cancer must monitor their PSA levels.  

Should I seek Medical Assistance for Rib Cage Pain? 

 Persistent pain in any part of the body is an indication of something serious. However, this is not the case with everyone. But it is better to take precaution. Persistent pain in the rib cage might be an indication of spinal tumors. 

Therefore, if you are experiencing rib cage pain with these things, you must seek medical assistance.

• Consistent pain is not due to any injury. 
• Pain is getting more severe day by day. 
• Feeling of numbness and tingling. 
• High levels of PSA. 

In that case, there is a need for thorough medical evaluation such as CT scan, X-rays, MRI, or full body scans. ViaScan of Las Colinas offers all kinds of scans. So, if you are experiencing these symptoms, it is the right time to take action in case of pain.