Could it be Rib Pain?
by Dr. Karen Hudes
Have you ever woken up in the morning and had trouble turning your neck and/or had pain under your shoulder blade?
That pain you are feeling is most likely rib pain.
Rib pain eh?
Often times upper back pain that affects the neck and thoracic spine can come from the ribs. The ribs create a cage that surround your heart and lungs. They attach to the spine in the back and circle around to the front.
Your ribs are supposed to move up and down very slightly like a bucket handle with every breath. But sometimes they stop moving correctly, or get stuck, creating a significant amount of discomfort and irritation in the surrounding muscles, nerves and joints.
“I have seen people with pain all the way down one arm, or numbness and tingling in the arm, shoulder or flank, neck pain, headaches, jaw pain… all stemming from the ribs.”
So why does this happen?
Life, stress, lifting, sitting for long periods, sleeping funny, poor ergonomics or posture, muscle imbalances and injury - but there is rarely only one reason this can happen. Reduced mobility through the spine and stuck rib problems are typically accumulative, and getting adjusted can really help prevent and avoid upper back pain.
All ready in pain?
Then definitely book an appointment and come see me so I can help you! I can do a proper assessment and treatment and make sure you are doing all the right things to heal. If your ribs get stuck from time to time, coming in for regular treatments will be one the best ways to help reduce the severity of pain if it does occur, but most importantly, help prevent re-occurrence.
In the meantime, here are a couple quick tips to get you some relief:
Rolled Towel Trick
Self massage with a lacrosse ball
Ice for 10 minutes
The ‘How To’:
Using a rolled-up hand towel, or a ball like a lacrosse ball, position yourself on the floor so that the towel or ball lines up between the spine and the shoulder blade on the spot that is most sore. Lay on it with your arms outstretched or in a T formation (cactus arms) for about 5 minutes. This should help alleviate the pain temporarily. Follow this up with an ice pack on the area for about 10 minutes.
You can also check out my YouTube videos below for more information. Just remember I am a chiropractor, not a videographer ;)
Rolled towel trick video here
Lacrosse ball self massage video here
This issue is definitely fixable!
For a more permanent solution, come see me, your friendly neighbourhood chiropractor. It is something I have seen a lot in practice and have great success with – I tend to get this myself so I can really empathize with the irritation of this condition.
I am known for being thorough, knowledgeable and for providing very effective treatments without them needing to be painful or forceful. I have over 20 years of experience and know that I can help you feel better!
When you come to to see me, along with an assessment, I often do soft tissue work to relax the muscles surrounding the area followed by an adjustment(s). And as indicated I will do an application of essential oils, kinesiotape, TENS, laser and/or other soft tissue, fascial and scar work.
I also address muscle imbalances, give strengthening exercises and talk about desk ergonomics and posture if needed to help make sure the problem doesn’t come back.
I look forward to working with you!
Post written by Dr. Karen Hudes
Karen is an accomplished and published Chiropractic Doctor with an additional designation as a Rehabilitation Specialist. She has been a Chiropractor for over 20 years and works full time at Continuum Wellness in Toronto.
She treats patients of all ages from newborn to senior with a special interest in women's health, and really enjoys working with expecting and new moms providing pre & postnatal care support.
Dr. Karen Hudes