Rib Pain and Side Pain – When It’s More Than Muscular

Reviewed by Dr Lauren Holland • Marylebone Diagnostic Centre
Results within 24 – 42 hours. Westminster residents receive 20% off.

Rib pain and side pain can feel sharp, aching, tight or pressure-like. Many London patients describe pain under the ribs, pain that spreads to the back, pain when breathing in, or discomfort that worsens after eating or physical activity. While muscle strain is common, persistent rib or side pain may come from the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, lungs or digestive system.

Clinically, we often see rib pain linked to inflammation, infection, gallbladder irritation, liver strain, kidney problems or vitamin deficiency. Blood tests are one of the fastest ways to understand whether the cause is muscular or internal. This guide explains the likely causes, when to worry, and which tests at Marylebone Diagnostic Centre help provide clarity.

Why Does Rib or Side Pain Happen?

Side pain can originate from:

• muscles
• bones
• liver
• gallbladder
• lungs
• kidneys
• digestive tract

Common causes include:

Because many organs sit under the rib cage, blood testing helps separate muscular from internal causes.

Common Symptoms That Appear with Rib or Side Pain

Patients often report:

• sharp or stabbing pain
• pain that worsens when breathing
• pain after meals
• pain on right side under ribs
• tenderness
• swelling or bloating
• nausea
• burning pain near ribs
• pain radiating to the back
• fever or chills
• urinary changes
• fatigue

Patterns help identify the likely organ involved.

When Rib Pain Is Serious

Seek testing if you experience:

• severe pain
• fever
• nausea or vomiting
• yellow skin or eyes
• pain that spreads to the shoulder
• pain with difficulty breathing
• sharp pain after eating
• pain with blood in urine
• persistent right-side pain
• pain that lasts longer than 24–48 hours

These symptoms may indicate gallbladder inflammation, liver strain, kidney infection or lung irritation.

Risk Factors for Rib and Side Pain in London

You may be more likely to develop rib or side pain if you:

• drink alcohol regularly
• have high stress
• eat irregular or high-fat meals
• exercise intensely
• sit for long periods
• have low vitamin D
• have a history of UTIs
• frequently feel bloated
• have a new exercise routine
• recently had a viral illness

Urban lifestyle and long work hours influence many of these triggers.

What Blood Tests Reveal About Rib and Side Pain

At Marylebone Diagnostic Centre, the following tests help identify the cause.

Liver Function Test (LFT)

Useful for:

• right-side rib pain
• nausea
• pain after alcohol
• pain after fatty meals
• bloating under the ribs

Liver irritation is a common hidden cause.

Kidney Function Test

Important for:

• pain in the flank or one side
• pain spreading to the back
• urinary discomfort
• fever

Kidney infections and stones are common causes of side pain.

CRP (Inflammation Marker)

High CRP suggests inflammation in:

• lungs
• kidneys
• gallbladder
• abdominal organs

Full Blood Count (FBC)

Checks for:

• infection
• inflammation
• low iron
• anaemia

Useful when pain includes fever or fatigue.

Vitamin D

Low vitamin D leads to rib, bone and muscle pain.

Very common in London.

Electrolytes

Imbalance can cause:

• side pain
• muscle spasms
• weakness

Wellness Profile

Ideal when symptoms are wide-ranging, including:

• fatigue
• right-side pain
• digestive symptoms
• urinary symptoms

This is MDC’s most complete panel.

Which MDC Profiles Should You Choose?

Symptom-Test Matching Table

Clinical Insight

Rib pain and side pain are often dismissed as muscular, yet we frequently see liver, kidney or gallbladder involvement. Blood tests provide clarity and prevent delays in treatment.
– Dr Lauren Holland

FAQs (People Also Ask)

Book Your Rib and Side Pain Tests at Marylebone Diagnostic Centre

Marylebone Diagnostic Centre
73 Baker Street, London W1U 6RD
Tel: +44 7495 970109
Open Monday–Saturday, 08:00–16:00

Fast, private and confidential testing with results in 24–42 hours.
Westminster residents receive 20% off.

Quick Links

• Cardiac Profile
• HbA1c Test
• Full Lipid Panel
• Fatigue and Energy Profile
• Kidney Function Test
• Electrolytes Test
• Liver Function Test
• Thyroid Function Test
• Magnesium Test
• Full Blood Count
• Urinalysis & Culture
• Book an Appointment
• ECG Testing
• Wellness Profile
• Pancreatic Profile
• Advanced Sexual Health Panel
• STI Testing London

Read More

• NHS – Gallstones and Gallbladder Pain
• NHS – Liver Disease Symptoms and Tests
• NHS – Kidney Problems
• Mayo Clinic – Rib Pain Causes
• British Nutrition Foundation – Vitamin D and Bone Health