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| Rib Dysfunction I have noticed a large increase in traffic to this page. Questions? Please call 314.647.5047
Dr. Robert T. Foy, DC
A common source of upperback and even chest pain is rib dysfunction. This is often a surprising fact for people. We tend to think of our ribs as non-moving bones, fused to our spine and sternum (breast bone). Actually, every breath and every torso movement requires our ribs to move. Just as other bones and joints in our body can suffer injury and irritation, so too, do ribs. A dysfunctional rib has lost the ability to properly coordinate its movement with the rest of the ribs and spine as part of a functional unit. The rib may be "stuck" in one position, or have an impaired range of motion. This would be like a team of rowers, with one rower using his ore out of sequence with his team.
Often rib dysfunction is misdiagnosed and therefore improperly treated. It is not at all unusual in a chiropractic office to encounter patients who have suffered with this problem for years! In many cases a rib develops joint problems because of ongoing physical mechanical stress on the joint, resulting in a painful jamming of these sensitive tissues. This mechanical stress can originate from poor posture, vertebral misalignment, asymmetrical muscle development, scoliosis, lifting trauma, or muscle spasm. If there is an underlying problem, a simple coughing attack or sneeze maybe all that is required to start this process.
Rib dysfunction can cause difficulty breathing, restricted shoulder movement, referred pain to other areas, and reactive muscle spasm. The misaligned ribs can also pinch intercostal nerves, sending excruciating pain through the length of the rib. A common complaint is a chronic low-grade ache, with episodes of severe sharp pain in the upperback.
Often patients mistakenly think that this problem is purely muscular, and turn to muscle relaxants for relief. Usually muscle relaxants provide short-term relief, the pain returns over the next day or two. This occurs because the muscle spasm was a reaction to the rib dysfunction,and was not the real problem. Once your chiropractor has properly diagnosed and treated the rib dysfunction, the muscles will return to their normal tone. Many people find that at this stage of their treatment a deep tissue massage is very effective and enjoyable.
Chiropractic provides definitive relief of the cause of this problem. Your chiropractor will first restore the proper alignment and joint function of the rib. An effective treatment program will correct any associated weakness that led to the injury, be it postural or other factors. A treatment program often includes postural retraining, and an aggressive stretching program.
Rib dysfunction is a condition that can cause chronic upper shoulder, back, and chest pain. This condition is very receptive to proper treatment. It will respond to a program of chiropractic, rehabilitative exercise, and massage. Come see us, we can help. | |
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