Numbness in left rib cage?

Nerve problem: Possibilities: pinched nerve in back, bulging disc, early (pre-rash) shingles, traumatic neuropraxia (bruised nerve) , tumor, heart attack, other. It's worth seeing a physician about. Go to er immediately for any chest pain.

Thoracic radiculopat: Numbness is typically a neurological symptom. There are multiple potential causes. If you get a pinched nerve in the thoracic area it can cause similar symptoms, this is called a thoracic radiculopathy. An MRI of the thoracic spine can be used to look for nerve impingement.