When we have musculoskeletal pain, most of the time, we don’t suspect our ribs as being the problem. We tend to see major joints as the more likely culprits. However, rib pain can disrupt your daily life, limiting your ability to do the activities you enjoy and causing constant discomfort.
The Health and Wellness Clinic is here to help you find relief. We understand just how disruptive rib pain can be, and our experienced team specializes in diagnosing and treating rib pain through targeted chiropractic adjustments to help you regain mobility and live your life to the fullest.
Symptoms and Causes of Rib Pain
Rib pain comes in many different forms, ranging from mild discomfort to burning achiness to sharp, stabbing sensations. It can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, impacting their ability to perform everyday tasks. In fact, we’ve had patients experiencing pain in the left shoulder who have gone to the hospital because they thought they might be having a heart attack, but it turned out to be a rib problem.
To effectively treat and manage rib pain, it’s essential to understand the associated symptoms, which can include:
- Sharp pain in the chest or back, especially between the shoulder blades
- Tenderness or sensitivity in the affected area
- Limited flexibility or range of motion in the upper body
- Bruising or swelling around the ribcage
- Difficulty taking deep breaths or coughing
Like any musculoskeletal issue, rib pain can have many possible causes, some more obvious than others. Common causes include:
- Trauma or injury to the chest area, such as a car accident, sports-related impact, or fall.
- Muscle strain caused by overexertion or repetitive movements, leading to inflammation or pain. This commonly occurs in individuals who perform activities that require bending or twisting movements, such as sports or lifting heavy objects.
- Poor posture places extra stress on the muscles and ligaments supporting the ribcage, which can result in chronic pain and discomfort. Standing in incorrect positions or sitting for prolonged periods of time can contribute to rib misalignment.
- Underlying musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis or scoliosis can affect the ribcage’s alignment and impede its function, leading to persistent pain and stiffness in the upper body.
In some cases, rib pain may be a symptom of underlying issues relating to the internal organs, such as gastrointestinal disorders or inflammation within the chest cavity. When seeking chiropractic care, it’s crucial to rule out these potential causes through diagnostic testing and a thorough examination.
Targeted Chiropractic Solutions
At the Health and Wellness Clinic, we offer comprehensive chiropractic care to address the underlying causes of rib pain and support the body’s healing processes. Our targeted approach focuses on non-invasive techniques that aim to alleviate discomfort and restore proper musculoskeletal function.
Spinal Adjustment
Misalignments in the spine can have far-reaching effects, sometimes causing pain or discomfort around the ribcage. By gently manipulating the vertebrae through targeted adjustments, we can relieve pressure on the nerves and surrounding tissues, reducing pain and improving mobility. We love adjusting patients with rib pain—it’s a relatively simple treatment that often leads to immediate relief.
Massage Therapy
Our team may also incorporate soft tissue manipulation techniques, such as massage therapy or myofascial release, to alleviate muscle tension and further promote healing in the affected area. These therapies work alongside chiropractic care to improve blood flow, enhance range of motion, and reduce inflammation.
Postural Correction
We recognize that addressing underlying postural issues is crucial for helping our patients find long-term relief from rib pain. Our chiropractors can perform meticulous postural assessments, provide personalized ergonomic recommendations, and suggest corrective exercises to help prevent future issues.
Lifestyle Modifications
At the Health and Wellness Clinic, we believe in empowering our patients to take an active role in their healing journeys. We aim to provide education about lifestyle modifications, including ergonomics, proper body mechanics, and targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the ribcage and improve overall quality of life.
Find Relief at the Health and Wellness Clinic
If you’re experiencing rib pain, you don’t have to let it hold you back. Visit the Health and Wellness clinic in Layton, Utah, for expert chiropractic care tailored to your individual needs. Health and wellness aren’t just our name — they’re our goal. Our compassionate team is dedicated to helping you find relief and live the life you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with us and take the first step on your journey toward a pain-free future.