There is no pain quite like it.  Once experienced, most people never forget the pain of a rib "being out".  Acute rib pain is typically felt as a savagely sharp, debilitating pain just to one side of the spine and usually between the shoulder blades.  Exacerbated by head, arm or torso movement, the pain can be so severe breathing is shallow and restricted, and no position - lying, sitting or standing - provides any significant relief.  Chronic rib pain, though less severe and far less debilitating, can also be a significant problem for many people, and is typically experienced as a constant, deep, dull throb or ache that persists despite exercise and stretching.  What are the causes of rib pain, and how is it best treated?

The rib cage is made up of 12 pairs of ribs and functions to protect the lungs and heart. It also serves as an attachment for the diaphragm, making breathing possible. The first 10 pairs of ribs are attached to the breastbone.  The lowest two pairs of ribs are called the "floating" ribs because they attach only to muscle at the front. Moveable joints, like those between the vertebrae, attach the ribs to the spine, enabling us to breath, twist and turn.  Occasionally, these "costovertebral" joints may lose their normal movement or become fixed in an abnormal position.  The result is rib pain, acute if the joint becomes extremely irritated or dull if the irritation is minor. Costovertebral joint dysfunction can also put strain on the cartilage at the front of the rib cage.  Pain may be felt at the junction between the rib and the cartilage or between the cartilage and the breast bone.

Most rib pain is due to two main factors:  chronic postural faults and trauma.  Traumatic causes do not only involve injury from accidents (ie: car accidents, major falls or blows to the back).  Rib pain can also result from microtrauma, such as repetitive strain injury.  These underlying factors of posture and trauma predispose the spine and ribcage to irritation.  The "triggers" which may cause predisposed costovertebral joints to become irritated and painful typically include reaching, twisting, minor falls, or activities such as archery or curling which use the middle back and rib cage as a fulcrum.  Neck problems are often another source of rib irritation, usually the result of incorrect head position (abnormal posture) or trauma.

Chiropractors specialize in the detection and correction of postural and functional joint problems.  If you suspect you may have a condition related to improper function of the rib cage, consult your family chiropractor. Many patients with mechanical rib problems experience rapid and effective relief with chiropractic care.

Drs. Glenn and Christine Foss are the owners of Advance Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy Center in Riverdale.  Both doctors have been practicing chiropractic for over thirteen years and have been amongst the communities leading health care providers. As innovators in health care, they have merged chiropractic and physical therapy services together to enhance the quality of patient care and overall treatment outcome.  If you have any questions for either of the doctors or would like to schedule a consultation please call 973-616-4555.

There is no pain quite like it.  Once experienced, most people never forget the pain of a rib "being out".  Acute rib pain is typically felt as a savagely sharp, debilitating pain just to one side of the spine and usually between the shoulder blades.  Exacerbated by head, arm or torso movement, the pain can be so severe breathing is shallow and restricted, and no position - lying, sitting or standing - provides any significant relief.  Chronic rib pain, though less severe and far less debilitating, can also be a significant problem for many people, and is typically experienced as a constant, deep, dull throb or ache that persists despite exercise and stretching.  What are the causes of rib pain, and how is it best treated?

The rib cage is made up of 12 pairs of ribs and functions to protect the lungs and heart. It also serves as an attachment for the diaphragm, making breathing possible. The first 10 pairs of ribs are attached to the breastbone.  The lowest two pairs of ribs are called the "floating" ribs because they attach only to muscle at the front. Moveable joints, like those between the vertebrae, attach the ribs to the spine, enabling us to breath, twist and turn.  Occasionally, these "costovertebral" joints may lose their normal movement or become fixed in an abnormal position.  The result is rib pain, acute if the joint becomes extremely irritated or dull if the irritation is minor. Costovertebral joint dysfunction can also put strain on the cartilage at the front of the rib cage.  Pain may be felt at the junction between the rib and the cartilage or between the cartilage and the breast bone.

Most rib pain is due to two main factors:  chronic postural faults and trauma.  Traumatic causes do not only involve injury from accidents (ie: car accidents, major falls or blows to the back).  Rib pain can also result from microtrauma, such as repetitive strain injury.  These underlying factors of posture and trauma predispose the spine and ribcage to irritation.  The "triggers" which may cause predisposed costovertebral joints to become irritated and painful typically include reaching, twisting, minor falls, or activities such as archery or curling which use the middle back and rib cage as a fulcrum.  Neck problems are often another source of rib irritation, usually the result of incorrect head position (abnormal posture) or trauma.

Chiropractors specialize in the detection and correction of postural and functional joint problems.  If you suspect you may have a condition related to improper function of the rib cage, consult your family chiropractor. Many patients with mechanical rib problems experience rapid and effective relief with chiropractic care.

Drs. Glenn and Christine Foss are the owners of Advance Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy Center in Riverdale.  Both doctors have been practicing chiropractic for over thirteen years and have been amongst the communities leading health care providers. As innovators in health care, they have merged chiropractic and physical therapy services together to enhance the quality of patient care and overall treatment outcome.  If you have any questions for either of the doctors or would like to schedule a consultation please call 973-616-4555.