There are 12 pairs of ribs that attach to the thoracic region of the spine. The ribs protect your vital organs. Each rib is shaped much like a bucket handle, arching from the spine to the breastbone in front. The ribs should move freely when you breathe, bend, twist, and reach. The term “costovertebral dysfunction” or “rib subluxation” means that one or more of your ribs has become restricted or slightly malpositioned from their attachment to the spine. Rib problems can develop in many ways – sometimes they caused by an accident or injury; other times, they develop from repetitive strains or poor posture.
Rib dysfunction may cause pain near, or slightly to the side of, your spine with possible radiation of symptoms along your rib, sometimes all the way to the front. Some patients feel as though they were “shot by an arrow.” Rib dysfunction is a frequently overlooked source of chest and abdominal pain. Symptoms sometimes begin following a sudden or explosive movement, like coughing or sneezing, reaching, pushing, or pulling. Other times, a specific cause cannot be recalled. Rib malpositions are common during pregnancy or after a whiplash injury.
Be sure to tell your chiropractor if your symptoms include any unusual cough, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, fever, flu-like complaints, or if you notice a rash developing along the border of your rib. Seek immediate medical treatment if you notice chest pressure or squeezing, symptoms that radiate into your arm and jaw, or if you have chest pain or shortness of breath with exertion, as these are possible symptoms of heart problems and must be addressed immediately.
Most patients report rapid relief following chiropractic care for rib subluxation. Our office offers several tools to help ease your pain, including chiropractic care, acupuncture, and more.
Credit: Information on this page provided by ChiroUp.
Dr. Matthew squeezed me in on short notice and took very good care of me. He was very thorough and didn’t just adjust me and let me walk out. Amazing experience here and the receptionist is a sweetheart.
My family have used chiropractic and physical therapy services here and every one of us have had excellent outcomes. I wouldn’t go anywhere else these folks are as good as it gets.
Dr. Matt and the entire staff have been GREAT! I went in for some issues I was having with my neck and back and Dr. Matt also helped me with some other issues I was having with my calf and shoulders that have made a HUGE improvement in my overall health and comfort.
I highly recommend using Dr. Matt!
Dr. Matt has done wonders for me and I recommend him highly – I can’t say enough good things about him. Dr. Matt and staff are good people and will take great care of you.
I really love it here! They are very friendly and I feel Dr. Wilson is giving me great treatment! I also don’t feel pressured into coming back too frequently. The adjustments are great! Great office!
Very professional and in depth consultation. These people seem to genuinely care about people’s health and progress.