What causes a chronic pain under my left rib cage?

Your rib cage consists of 24 ribs — 12 on the right and 12 on the left side of your body. Their function is to protect the organs that lie beneath them. On the left side, this includes your heart, left lung, pancreas, spleen, stomach, and left kidney. read more

The Primary Causes of Pain under the Left Rib Cage 1. Spleen Damage. The spleen is used to filter red blood cells and hangs in the upper part of the abdomen. An enlarged or ruptured spleen can cause sudden or chronic pain under the left rib cage that ends up migrating towards the back and/or shoulders. read more

Dull pain under left rib cage – This type of pain is usually caused by having a stomach ulcer. A stomach ulcer can be very painful and may usually occur after eating. The dull pain may also be caused by having gas in the colon. Sharp temporary cramping under left rib cage – The main reason for this is stomach gas. read more

Depending on which lung is affected, lung disease can cause pain under the right or left rib cage. Respiratory infections in the lung or other diseases affecting your lungs can cause serious complications. If you have severe, unexplained pain under your left rib cage or right rib cage, you should see a doctor promptly. read more