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People with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), often called “lupus,” know how unpredictable it can be. This condition can cause many symptoms, some of which may be confusing. Among the more unusual symptoms noticed by members of MyLupusTeam is a burning sensation in the rib area.
“Has anyone ever experienced a burning sensation in their rib cage? It’s also like a bruised feeling,” one member wrote. Another member responded, “Yes, I get this feeling in my chest and can’t get a deep breath.”
This feeling can make you wonder, “Why do my ribs burn?” Read on to learn about five common causes of rib pain in lupus and some ways to manage this symptom.
The reason for a burning or painful condition in the rib cage can vary from person to person. Chest pain from a lung condition could produce a warm or burning sensation, although less concerning health conditions are also linked to a burning sensation in the ribs.
About 76 percent of MyLupusTeam members have reported that they experience pain other than joint pain.
For about half of people diagnosed with SLE, lupus affects the lungs. Lung conditions that are linked to lupus and may cause chest pain include:
Lung disease itself can feel like burning in the ribs, and persistent coughing may even lead to broken ribs.
Chest pain can indicate a serious condition, such as a heart attack. If you experience left-sided or central chest pain, which might extend to your left arm or jaw, you should report it immediately to your rheumatologist, cardiologist, or primary care physician. SLE is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
If you have crushing chest pain along with difficulty breathing, dizziness, heartburn, or cold sweat, go to the emergency room right away. You could be experiencing a heart attack.
In some cases, lupus can damage nerves. A type of nerve damage called intercostal neuralgia causes neuropathy (nerve pain) in the area of the ribs, chest, and abdomen, usually with a burning sensation.
Pain or a burning sensation from intercostal neuralgia may feel like bands wrapping around the chest and back, potentially causing back pain. Symptoms may either come and go or be nonstop, and flares can last a while.
Lupus is also considered a type of connective tissue disease, along with rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, and scleroderma. That’s because lupus can affect musculoskeletal tissues such as cartilage, muscles, tendons, and joints.
Some people with lupus experience inflammation of the costochondral joints and cartilage, which connect the ribs to the sternum (breastbone). Known as costochondritis, this condition can cause soreness in the chest wall and a burning sensation. Pressing on your breastbone is likely to make this pain worse.
About a quarter of people living with lupus also have fibromyalgia. This condition causes widespread pain that may feel like a burning sensation throughout the body, including the chest. Fibromyalgia may also cause extreme tiredness, joint pain that moves around, difficulty sleeping, tender skin, and lightheadedness.
Diagnosing fibromyalgia is challenging because no specific lab tests or imaging can confirm it. Instead, doctors rely on your symptoms and physical exam to make the diagnosis.
Some people with lupus develop gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux. GERD can cause heartburn, a burning feeling that starts in the chest or under the ribs. This pain may become worse after eating foods like citrus fruits, spicy dishes, or tomato-based products.
Side effects from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids (steroids) can aggravate acid reflux. Many people with lupus take these medications, making them more likely to experience GERD symptoms. One MyLupusTeam member shared that the pain in their ribs “turned out to be reflux from my prednisone.”
If you’re experiencing a burning sensation in your ribs, you can take steps to manage the discomfort.
Always talk to your healthcare team if you experience a concerning symptom that could be linked to lupus. Your doctor can assess whether this chest pain may require emergency medical attention.
If you ask, “Why are my ribs so sensitive?” your healthcare provider may investigate to rule out serious conditions. Your rheumatologist needs to determine whether this is a symptom of a lupus flare-up or another health issue. They might ask about your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and recommend blood tests, a chest X-ray, or a CT scan to identify the cause.
Treatment options will depend on the underlying cause of your rib pain. For musculoskeletal pain from fibromyalgia or costochondritis, your doctor may advise an over-the-counter NSAID, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) or aspirin, or an analgesic medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol).
“I’ve been using moist heat and taking aspirin for years to help,” a MyLupusTeam member said of their rib pain. “I first had the symptom about 35 years ago.”
Although it may seem strange to use heat on an area that already feels warm, a heating pad, warm towel, or warm shower or bath may provide some relief. A burning sensation in the ribs is a type of pain, and heat can sometimes help reduce lupus pain.
One MyLupusTeam member shared their experience: “I have had this burning sensation with no letup. I’ve tried everything. A heating pad, believe it or not, helps some. My doctor treated me for pleurisy with meds, but no change.”
Getting enough sleep and rest is essential for people with lupus. In fact, researchers have linked a lack of sufficient sleep with an increased risk of lupus. If you notice the start of symptoms, such as a burning sensation in the ribs, it’s important to get the rest you need.
“It seemed to get better with rest and not using my chest muscles,” offered a MyLupusTeam member about the burning feeling in their ribs.
If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about managing sleep disturbance.
People with lupus can experience an increase in symptoms from exposure to sun and fluorescent and halogen lights. Light sensitivity can cause rashes in people with lupus and may worsen other symptoms.
A burning sensation in the ribs that’s caused by inflammation can be affected — either worsened or improved — by certain body positions or movement. Comments from MyLupusTeam members have described these effects:
Your doctor can give you a referral to a physiotherapist for physical therapy. This may assist you with appropriate exercise, physical activity, and general body movements to manage lupus pain.
Lupus is a risk factor for depression and anxiety, and depression has been linked to increased lupus pain. Practices such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness training have been shown to reduce stress and depression, improve sleep, and decrease chronic pain in people with lupus.
“I’ve had this every time I have a flare!” a MyLupusTeam member wrote about rib pain. “Listen to music, meditate, and try stretching lightly.”
If depression or anxiety is affecting you in your daily life, ask your doctor about a referral to a mental health professional.
On MyLupusTeam, the social network for people with lupus and their loved ones, more than 233,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lupus.
Have you had a burning sensation in your ribs? Do you have more tips on how to manage this symptom? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.
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A MyLupusTeam Member
I had pleuritis and it was painful. It resolved after rest and a few weeks. I had tib psin bavk when i was stoll workg n my PCP at the time said it was lingering pain from have pleurisy. It lasted… read more