The first thing to rule out is inflammation of the rib cartilage. Inflammation of the rib cartilage usually occurs in the 2nd to 4th rib cartilage, and the pain is mostly located at the junction of the rib cage and the sternum. In severe cases, the pain radiates to the sides of the thorax and the back of the shoulders, and the nature of the pain is such that it is a stabbing pain. Patients often cough, sneeze, or even breathe to trigger this stabbing pain. For this condition, consider taking some oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Second, if the pain is on both sides of the rib cage and is accompanied by a burning sensation, you need to rule out whether the patient has had shingles before. Some patients with shingles tend to have inflammation of the nerves after recovery. This often manifests as a tingling pain on both sides of the rib cage, which is accompanied by a burning sensation, mainly due to the inflammation of the nerves left behind by shingles.