Your rib cage represents a more complex structure than you
might suppose. The actual bones that make up the ribs themselves attach both to
the sternum (the bone at the front of the chest) and to the spine's thoracic
vertebrae. Joints, cartilage, and other tissues allow the ribs to move, but
they can also fall prey to a few painful problems.
If you suffer from rib pain, you might struggle to perform
everyday chores, find a comfortable sleeping position, or enjoy your favorite
recreational activities. Fortunately, natural treatment methods such as
chiropractic care can often relieve this pain. Check out the answers to a few
of these frequently asked rib pain questions.
What Kinds of Rib Problems Can Cause Pain?
Rib pain can occur due to many kinds of health conditions,
from heart attacks and lung inflammation to certain forms of cancer. Acute
direct damage to the ribs, such as a fracture, can obviously cause sharp,
sudden pain. However, many more kinds of rib pain stem from joint, nerve, or
soft tissue troubles.
The ribs attach to the thoracic spine via two kinds of
joints. Costocorporeal joints attach the rib to two neighboring vertebrae,
while costotransverse joints attach them to a bony projection called the
transverse process. A misalignment or soft tissue strain in these joints can
result in rib pain.
A high-impact car collision or sports injury can knock a rib
out of alignment, causing acute pain. Even forceful coughing, sneezing, or
vomiting can cause rib misalignment. Less dramatic causes can include poor
posture, weak muscles, pregnancy-related physical changes, and repetitive
motion strain from sports or work activities.
When Does Rib Pain Issue from Another Part of the Body?
Rib pain doesn't always indicate strain or damage to the
ribs themselves. If structures in and around the rib joints manage to pinch or
trap nearby spinal nerves, you may experience pain anywhere along the affected
rib, in your upper back, or in your upper chest. Doctors call this kind of
referred pain intercostal neuralgia.
What Symptoms May Indicate a Rib Misalignment?
If your primary care provider can't find any disease-based
causes of rib pain, you may need a chiropractic evaluation to check for rib
misalignment issues. Classic symptoms or a rib misalignment include pain when
walking, sneezing, coughing, or inhaling deeply. Numbness, tenderness, or
swelling can also indicate a misalignment.
How Can Chiropractic Adjustment Ease Rib Pain?
Chiropractic adjustment can correct the alignment errors
that often lead to chronic rib pain. First, your chiropractor will probably
need to apply manual techniques such as stretching or getting a massage. These
techniques can help tense, tight muscles in the area to relax so that they
won't resist the adjustment.
Next, your chiropractor will apply a small amount of
controlled force to the affected rib joint or joints. This force brings the
errant components back into their proper alignment, relieving soft tissue
strain and releasing trapped nerve tissue. The strained or pinched tissues can
then heal normally.
What Other Rib Pain Management Measures Can Help?
Even after your chiropractic treatment sessions ease much of
your rib pain, your chiropractor may recommend that you continue to schedule
periodic spinal evaluations and adjustments. These incremental fixes can help
you keep your rib cage and spine in alignment for long-term, drug-free pain
relief.
To help you maintain a straight, healthy posture, you may
need to build strength in the muscles that support your spine and trunk. Your
chiropractor can recommend exercises for this purpose. Eliminate postural bad
habits like slumping forward with rounded shoulders, which can lead to rib pain
and other chronic strain problems.
Don't let treatable rib pain ruin your quality of life. Schedule an appointment
at Corner Chiropractic Center to get more answers about what causes your pain
and how to get that pain under control.
