What causes bone enlargement, joint pain, and tailbone pain. - #33163
Enlargement of my left ribcage with a knot on one of the ribs. Experiencing pain on my left side hip joint area and also pain on my tailbone area. cannot sleep on my back as it causes pain to intensify on my tailbone area.
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Doctors’ responses
HELLO DONNA POTTER,
YOU HAVE DESCIRBED -Rib enlargement with a knot -pain in hip joint (left side) -pain in tailbone (coccyx), worse when lying on back
This combination suggests
1) STRUCTURAL CHANGE IN BONE (rib knot/enlargement)= could be due to abnormal bone growth, healing from old injury, or a disorder of bone metabolism
2) PAIN IN HIP AND TAILBONE= often due to vata imbalance (in ayurveda) or degenerative changes/nerve pressure
3) TAILBONE PAIN (coccydynia)= worsens when sitting/lying-> common with vata aggravation, weak muscle support, or previous unnoticed injury
The body’s bones can sometimes overgrow, inflame, or develop lumps (benign or serious). Pain occurs if the bone presses on joints, muscles, or nerves. Tailbone pain is common when the base of the spine gets inflamed
AYURVEDIC VIEW -This is due to Asthi dhatu (bone tissue) disturbance and vata dosha aggravation. Vata when aggravated causes dryness, cracking, pain, degeneration, and deformity in bones and jonits
TREATMENT GOALS -pacify aggravated vata -nourish asthi dhatu (bones) -relieve pain and swelling -prevent further degeneration -improve daily function and sleep
INTERNAL MEDICATIONS
1) LAKSHA GUGGULU= 1 tab twice daily after meals with warm water =supports bone healing, relieves pain, strengthens joints
2) ASHWAGANDHA CHURNA= 1 tsp with warm milk at bedtime =rejuvinates tissues, relieves pain, calms vata,improves sleep
3) DASHMOOLA KASAHYA= 20 ml twice daily before meals with warm water =reduces inflammation, balances vata, eases joint pain
4) ASTHI SHRINKHALA CAPSULES= 500mg twice daily after meals =enhances bone repair and mineralization
DURATION= at least 6-12 weeks
EXTERNAL THERAPIES
1) OIL MASSAGE= daily warm oil massage with MAHANARAYAN TAILA ,focusing on hip, back, and ribs
2) Steam therapy= mild local fomentation after massage to ease stiffness
3) LEPA (herbal paste)= application of dashmoola paste or warm castor oil pack on painful areas
DIET AND NUTRITION -Milk and milk production (cow’s milk, ghee- in moderation) -sesame seeds, black gram, dates, figs, almonds, walnuts -ragi, amaranth, leafy greens-> rich in calcium and minerals -bone broth (if non veg)-> nourishes bones
AVOID -dry,cold,stale, fast foods -excess tea, coffee, alcohol -sour, very spicy, and gas forming foods they aggravate vata
LIFESTYLE -sit on soft cushions, avoid hard surfaces -avoid long sitting or standing without breaks -warm baths with epsom salt may help -ensure 7-8 hrs sleep in comfortable posture (side sleeping with knee pillow if back pain worsens)
YOGA (gentle, avoid strain on tailbone) -bhujangasana= strengthens spine -setubandhasana= relieves tailbone stress -supta baddha konasana= opens hips -cat cow stretch = mobilise spine gently
Avoid long sitting meditations, lotus pose, or hard floor exercise
PRANAYAM -Anulom vilom= balances vata, calms mind -Bhramari=reduces stress, helps sleep -Deep diaphragmatic breathing= improves circulation, relaxes body
HOME REMEDIES -warm sesame oil massage daily on painful areas. -castor oil with milk (1 tsp at night weekly once)->mild laxatives, relieves vata, nourishes bones -Turmeric milk reduces inflammation -warm salt compress on tailbone/hip for 10-15 mins for pain relief
INVESTIGATIONS -X-RAY of ribs, hip, and sacrum/tailbone -MRI/CT if lump is enlarging -Blood test= calcium, vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase, ESR/CRP -Bone density check
DONNA, Your symptoms suggest vata imbalance affecting bone tissues, causing pain and knot formation . Ayurveda focuses on nourishing bones, reducing pain, and restoring balance, whole modern medicine ensures we rule out any dangerous conditions.
YOUR PATH SHOULD BE COMBINED -Immediate step= get X-ray/scan of rib enlargement to rule out serious bone growth -Meanwhile= start gentle Vata-pacifying routine- warm oil massage, nourishing diet, stress management, simple yoga, herbal support
DO FOLLOW
HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
Hi Donna
Please start 1.Mustadimarma kwatham tab 2-0-2 before food 2.Lakshadi guggulu 1-0-1after food 3.Sallaki plus 1-1-1 After food 4.Gandataila 5drops with milk at bedtime 5.Murivenna + Sahacharadi taila for ext.application (1hour before bath ) /daily
Follow this for 2 weeks and do a follow up here .
*Avoid too much physical exertion like prolonged walking /running /standing /weight lifting ,etc. *Take easily digestive foods with nutritive value *Avoid smoking /alcohol/Carbonated drinks/junks foods(if any) *Take more vegetables and fruits *Have sufficient amount of water
Dear Donna potter
I appreciate you reaching out and describing your symptoms in detail The endowment of your left rib cage with a palpable note, along with pain in your left hip, and tailbone indicates that the mosquitoes skeletal and possibly the nervous system in that region is under significant stress In Ayurveda, such pain and stiffness, usually arise due to imbalance in doshas especially vata Dosha which governance movement, circulation, and nervous system, leading to stiffness, not in muscles, localised, swelling, and pain that versions with pressure on moment. This explains while lying on your back increases the discomfort in the tailbone area,as vata imbalance combined with local stagnation of fluids and tissue tension, can I sensitivity in that position… Although some of these symptoms may be due to muscular tightness or minor bone changes, it is essential not to ignore the possibility of structural issues. Chronic pain in the rib cage until bone, particularly when associated with a palpable not should be evaluated carefully. I strongly recommend getting MRI of the ribs spine hunt Eden to rule out any structural abnormality such as minor fractures, bone growth, disc issues or joint degeneration. This investigations will provide clarity and allow treatment to be specifically tailored Meanwhile apply kaheerabala taila -while massaging, avoid pressing directly on the note or areas that feel highly tender instead, use smooth circular moments around the affecting zones Try to use heating pad to say 5 to 10 minutes or until you’re tolerated so that it will help you in relaxation of the Related to treatment internally, we can start once we get the reports
Avoid sour, fermented and processed foods. Exercise under guidance of Physiotherapist. Tab. Arogyavardhini 2-0-2 Cap. Gufispon 2-0-2 Follow up after 4weeks.
Hello Donna,
Thank you for sharing your detailed symptoms. I will break this down for you so you can understand possible causes and what Ayurveda suggests.
✅YOUR SYMPTOMS
-Bone enlargement / knot on left rib -Pain in left hip joint -Tailbone pain (worse when lying on back) -Disturbed sleep due to pain
✅ POSSIBLE CAUSE (from both modern & Ayurvedic view)
1. Bone / Joint Changes
Could be due to osteophytes (bone spurs) or bony overgrowth in ribs/hip due to arthritis or wear & tear. Ayurveda relates this to Asthi Dhatu Kshaya (weak bone tissue) and Vata vitiation (causing pain, stiffness, bony knots).
2. Tailbone Pain
Usually from prolonged sitting, injury, or pressure on the coccyx. In Ayurveda, considered as Vata aggravation in Asthi-Sandhi (bone-joint junctions).
3. Hip Joint Pain
Could be early osteoarthritis / sacroiliac joint strain. Sometimes linked with low Vitamin D, calcium deficiency, or menopausal bone changes.
4. Rib Enlargement / Knot
Could be benign bony overgrowth, cartilage swelling, or rarely fibrous tissue growth. Needs medical imaging (X-ray / MRI) to rule out anything serious.
✅ AYURVEDIC PLAN OF TREATMENT-
✅INTERNAL MEDICATION
1.Dashmoolaristha 30ml-0-30ml after food – reduces Vata pain & inflammation in bones and joints.
2. Yogaraj Guggulu 1-0-1 after food – strengthens bones, reduces pain & knot formation.
3 Asthimitra 1-0-1 after food – nourishes bones, reduces weakness.
✅EXTERNAL PANCHAKARMA TREATMENT ( to be done in nearby panchakarma center)
1 Tailbone & Hip Abhyanga (oil massage with Mahanarayan taila or Dhanwantaram taila) 2 local Patra pinda sweda 3 Kati Basti / Taila Pichu – oil pooling therapy over lower back & tailbone area is very effective for long-term relief. 4 Enema therapy
✅EXTERNAL TREATMENT AT HOME
1 Daily oil massage over lower back and tail bone with mahanarayana taila follwed by hot water bath or hot water bag fomentation
✅HOME REMEDIES
👉Turmeric + milk (golden milk) to reduce inflammation.
👉Triphala at night (½ tsp with warm water) if constipation is present, since bowel strain worsens tailbone pain.
✅DIET AND LIFESTYLE
✅ Include calcium & vitamin D rich foods – sesame seeds, almonds, leafy greens, ragi (finger millet). ✅ Use warming spices – ginger, ajwain, turmeric, garlic to reduce Vata. ✅ Avoid prolonged sitting on hard surfaces – use a soft cushion (doughnut pillow for tailbone). ✅ Gentle yoga – Setubandhasana (bridge pose), Supta Baddhakonasana for hip & lower spine support. Avoid hard floor sitting.
⚠️ Important
Since you have rib enlargement / knot, I strongly suggest you get an X-ray or MRI to confirm the exact nature – whether it is just bony overgrowth or something else. Ayurveda can then be integrated for safe management alongside.
Wishing you a good health😊
Warm Regards Dr Snehal Vidhate
Dear Donna Your pain in joint could be either inflammation, vata dosha aggravation, degeneration Start with Laxadi guggul 1-0-1 after food with water Mahavatvidhvansh vati 1-0-1 After food with water and Dashamoolarist 15 ml twice daily after food with water Apply dhanvantrum oil+kshirbala oil on affected area Visit nearby ayurvedic centre and consult ayurvedic physician for panchkarma treatment, will help reduce pain in natural way. Avoid sour fermented foods Use tailbone comforting pillow seat .
The above symptoms which you have mentioned, indicate local information, muscular tightness, or bony changes that need proper evaluation Since it is affecting your sleep and daily comfort, I would strongly suggest getting an x-ray or MRI of the chest and spine to rule out any structural issue. Meanwhile, gentle oil massage with warm sesame oil and avoiding pressure on the painful area. Can give some relief. Internally, you can take Dashamoola aristha-41 with equal quantity of water twice daily after food Yograj guggulu-one tablet twice daily after food with warm water
Enlargement of the ribcage combined with joint and tailbone pain can be complex, often involving musculoskeletal or systemic conditions. From an Ayurvedic standpoint, such symptoms may indicate an imbalance in the Vata dosha, which governs movement within the body and is responsible for the health of bones and joints.
Vata aggravation can lead to degeneration and pain, especially in joints and bones. To address this, working on balancing Vata is essential. Focus on warmth, rest, and nourishment. Start including more grounding and warming foods in your diet. Opt for cooked meals like soups, stews, and porridges. Cooked vegetables with ghee can be beneficial as ghee has a lubricating effect on the body. Prefer spices like ginger, turmeric, and cumin which aids digestion and can help reduce inflammation.
Oil massage (Abhyanga) using warm sesame oil can provide relief. It’s particularly helpful for pain associated with Vata imbalances. Gently massage the affected areas daily before bath, avoiding any region that is too painful or swollen.
Practicing gentle yoga and pranayama can also help redirect and balance Vata energy. Focus on asanas that are gentle on the joints, avoiding positions that exacerbate pain. Consider incorporating deep breathing exercises, which can soothe Vata and aid in better sleep and stress reduction.
Ensure you maintain a consistent sleep routine, as sleep is vital for reducing Vata disturbances. An herbal preparation like Ashwagandha churna might help support joint health and alleviate stress. However, make sure to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement, especially if already taking other medications.
These symptoms could indicate conditions that need prompt medical attention. A thorough clinical examination and radiological imaging are recommended to rule out any significant underlying issues and initiate appropriate treatment as necessary.
Enlargement of the ribcage along with joint and tailbone pain could be indicative of an imbalance in the vata dosha, which is responsible for movement and circulation within the body. An aggravated vata may cause dryness and increased sensitivity, leading to joint discomfort and disturbances in the musculoskeletal system.
To address these symptoms, it is crucial to focus on balancing vata through diet and lifestyle. Incorporate warm, nourishing foods rich in healthy fats; ghee, sesame oil and avocados can offer substantial nourishment. Avoid cold and raw foods that can further aggravate vata.
For pain relief, consider herbal oils such as Mahanarayana oil which has calming and soothing properties for joint pain. Massage gently over the affected areas, focusing on the ribcage, hip joint, and tailbone. Follow this with a warm compress to enhance absorption and relief.
In addition, practice grounding techniques like regular meditation and gentle yoga targeted at vata balancing. Asanas like Marjariasana and Balasana might help ease tension in the hip and tailbone area. Ensure that your sleep surface is supportive but cushioned enough to reduce pressure on the tailbone.
It’s important to monitor the progression of the lump on your ribcage closely. While Ayurvedic treatments can provide supportive care, it is imperative to seek swift consultation with a medical professional to rule out serious conditions like infections or bone growths. Quick diagnosis can prevent further complications, ensuring comprehensive care and well-being.

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