question: I am 26 years old and weigh about 120.  I have had a cough for 4 weeks now.  It is starting to go away now, but a week and a half ago I started feeling some pain just below my left breast when I breathed deeply or coughed.  At first I thought it was just heartburn, but it never went away.  The next day I was having a coughing fit and I felt and heard a pop in my rib cage and had excruciating pain (lower than the prior pain) that felt like something was out of place.  It took several hours before it felt like it was back in place, but for the next 2-3 days I was in a lot of pain.  I went to a walk in clinic and the NP gave me a z-pack (which didn't seem to help much with my cough) and told me I could take 4 ibuprofen every 8 hours which helped drastically.  However, Monday and Tuesday I tried to work out - doing exercises that did not hurt the injured area - and Wednesday we were unpacking boxes from our move.  I guess I irritated it b/c It has been hurting a lot again and the ibuprofen only does so much.  It is a constant pain that increases with deep breaths, certain movements, stretching, and lifting with my left arm.  I also started noticing that something near one of my lower ribs moves when I push on it or stretch in certain ways.  I"m not sure if it is a rib or cartilage, but that is what is worrying me.  Plus, I am in a lot of pain and wondering how long it will take to heal.  I don't have the greatest insurance, so I'd rather not get x-rays and MRI's, especially if there is no treatment other than ibuprofen.  Thank you for your help.