Pain is approximately half an inch below ribs, on my left side. gi doctor said i have hiatal hernia. nothing seems to help, it does come and go.

Muscle pain: Hiatus hernia if small rarely causes pain, if it is large surgery should be considered. This pain is very often muscular.

Probably not hernia: Small hiatal hernias do not cause pain, especially in this location. Large hiatal hernias can cause chest pain and pressure, along with difficulty eating, but generally not in this location. Sounds more like a trunk muscle spasm to me. Try heat, self massage to see if that helps. Hope this was helpful!