Rib Issues: The Hidden Source of Back, Chest, and Shoulder Pain
Have you ever experienced that nagging pain between your shoulder blade and spine? Or felt discomfort in your back, ribs, or chest when you take a deep breath, cough, or sneeze? Maybe there’s a muscle knot next to your shoulder blade that you just can’t seem to massage away? Well, chances are, your ribs might be to blame!
We often overlook our ribcage as a source of pain, but when things go awry with the ribs, it can lead to all sorts of discomfort. Let’s break it down and understand what’s going on with your ribcage—and how chiropractic care can help get you back on track.
What’s Going On with Your Ribcage?
Our ribcage is made up of 12 pairs of ribs, each with its own important job in protecting vital organs and allowing for proper breathing. The first 10 pairs of ribs are attached to the sternum in the front and to the thoracic spine in the back. The last 2 pairs are known as floating ribs, as they don’t attach in the front at all.
And did you know the final 5 pairs of ribs are called false ribs? They don’t directly attach to the sternum, but they’re still super important for respiratory movement, thanks to their flexibility.
Now, when one of these ribs shifts out of its usual position, it’s called a rib subluxation (or “having a rib out” in layman’s terms). No, this doesn’t mean your rib is sticking out of your body! But it does mean your rib is no longer in alignment, which can cause pain and discomfort. So, why does this happen?
Common Causes of Rib Problems
Poor Posture: If you’re someone who tends to slump forward (who, me?), you’re altering the position of your thoracic spine, which affects the ribs that attach to it. This change in biomechanics can cause rib issues and lead to pain and discomfort in the back and chest.
Overhead Sports/Activities: If you’re into sports or activities that involve a lot of overhead movements (think swimming, tennis, or throwing), the muscles involved can pull on the ribs and thoracic spine. This can shift them out of position, causing discomfort.
Coughing or Sneezing: You probably don’t think of coughing or sneezing as high-risk activities, but these sudden, violent movements can misalign your ribs and their spinal attachments. So, the next time you’re sneezing, maybe go easy on the blowout!
Past Trauma: If you've injured your ribs or thoracic spine in the past (hello, sports injuries or accidents), you’re at a higher risk for re-injury. Why? The ligaments that support the ribs might not be as stable, making it easier for the ribs to shift again.
How Do You Know If It’s a Rib Issue?
Most people don’t realize that their ribs could be the root cause of their pain. But if you’ve been dealing with discomfort between the shoulder blades, along your ribs, or in the chest (especially when breathing, coughing, or sneezing), it’s worth considering. The pain might even feel like a muscle knot, but it could be the rib misalignment that’s creating the sensation.
Rib Issues? We’ve Got You Covered!
The good news is rib issues are totally treatable with chiropractic care! Through a combination of chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapies like Graston, Active Release Technique (ART), Cupping, and targeted rehab exercises, we can help get those ribs back where they belong. This will reduce the pain, improve mobility, and get you back to your normal activities (with better posture, we hope!).
Massage therapy and acupuncture are also great complementary treatments to relieve muscle tension and promote healing in the ribcage area. Together, we can create a treatment plan that targets the source of the problem and helps you find lasting relief.
Don’t Let Rib Pain Hold You Back!
Rib issues can be sneaky little pain inducers, but with the right care, you can get back to feeling your best. So, if you’ve been dealing with shoulder blade, back, or chest pain, it might just be time to check in with us. We’ll help you get to the root of the problem and provide effective solutions to keep you feeling pain-free and mobile.
Ready to give those ribs some TLC? Call us today, and let’s get you back on track to living your best, pain-free life! 👐