How can we tell if the pain is rib pain/misalignment?
Chiropractic Care for RIb Pain: A misaligned rib can cause deep or sharp pain at its location. This pain may be felt at the front of the rib cage near the sternum, in the back near the spine, or under the shoulder blades. Swelling and tenderness can occur when touched. Breathing deeply becomes difficult and can lead to discomfort and pain at the misaligned rib joint. Over time, sharp pain often becomes a constant dull ache or chronic restriction.
Why do we get rib pain/misalignment?
Rib misalignment can result from various activities, such as a direct blow to the rib cage, twisting during physical activities, or even just rolling over during sleep. Sometimes the cause of rib misalignment isn’t clear. Tightness in the intercostal muscles (between the ribs), rotator cuff muscles, and chest muscles can contribute to rib misalignment.
How does Chiropractic help individuals recover from rib pain/misalignment?
When rib joints are misaligned, they can irritate ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves in the affected area. A chiropractor will assess the ribs and determine if specific chiropractic adjustments are needed to realign them. They’ll also evaluate the muscular balance in the chest and surrounding areas, recommending stretches and exercises to promote balance.
Dr. Emily will also examine the spinal segments in the mid-back. Misalignments here can affect muscles and nerves connected to the ribs, contributing to rib pain or misalignment. If a mid-back segment is misaligned, it will be gently adjusted with chiropractic techniques.
What stretches and strengthening exercises will help for rib pain/misalignment?
To stabilize and balance the area, it’s crucial to stretch and strengthen muscles around the rib joints. Moreover, focus on both sides, giving extra attention to the affected side. Furthermore, it’s important to note that these stretches and exercises should be done preventatively or after a misaligned rib has been stabilized for at least three days, as directed by your chiropractor. Performing them while a rib is out of place can exacerbate pain and discomfort.
There are 5 preventative/rehabilitative stretches and exercises that will help with rib irritation:
Butterflies – do just the butterflies from the spinal mobility series.
IYLTWs (Rhomboids/Rotator Cuff) Exercise
Remember, DO NOT do any of these if you currently have a misaligned rib or rib pain. Please check in with your local San Diego Chiropractor for more detailed recommendations.