Chest Pain or Subluxated Rib

Symptoms of Subluxated Rib

The most common symptom of a subluxated rib is a sharp, dull, or stabbing pain.  Some feel pain while breathing and lying in bed.  Compression of any nerve around the subluxated rib causes tingling sensation and numbness. Another rib subluxation symptom is muscle spasms.

In cases where the first rib is subluxated, the symptoms may include, shoulder, neck, arm, and chest pains, as well as headaches and numbness.

A good indicator of a subluxated rib is a pain on the left or right side of the chest. 

Visit your chiropractor if you have a more severe case of misalignment.  The healing treatment depends on the severity of the displacement, but chiropractic care can help alleviate chest pain.   

The pain reduction method includes physiotherapy and electrotherapy methods such as ultrasound, laser, strengthening, and breathing exercises.

The licensed chiropractor may apply direct pressure or may use adjusting instrument techniques to move back the misplaced rib.  Ice gels may also be used to reduce sore ribs.

How to Avoid Rib Subluxation

–    You should be aware of your posture.  Remind yourself not to do the forward head posture.  See professional help when necessary.

–    Keep your back healthy and fit.  When you have a strong back and always project good posture, you will less likely have problems.

–    Do proper lifting techniques.  Do not attempt to lift by bending forward.  Bend your hips and knees, and squat down.  Keep the load close to your body.  Make your legs straight before you lift.

–    See a chiropractor as soon as possible once a rib has been out of place.

Minimizing your daily activities is something you can do at home for your subluxated rib. It is very helpful to sleep on a supportive mattress.

Chiropractic and Rib Subluxation

Chiropractors use spinal adjustments as the main treatment method.  Studies suggest marked improvement in patients with Tietze syndrome, an inflammation of the cartilage around the ribs, through chiropractic.  It is a non-surgical medical care that is gentle to the spine.  Also it is effective in reducing pain, improving range of motion and reducing muscle spasms.  In addition, it can reduce swelling and recurrence of past injuries.

The adjustment must be accurate and quick.  It is important for the patient to be totally relaxed while in the therapy.

Other manual therapies such as massage, acupressure, and trigger point therapy can help relax the muscles.  

Your doctor may prescribe back exercises to patients to fight fatigue.  

When the mid back muscles are weak, it reduces the ability to maintain proper posture.  And the risk of injury is increased. Your chiropractor might recommend stretching exercises for the chest.  If the muscles in this area are tight, they can place a stem on the mid back muscles.  However, you can also do those exercises in the office.  Sessions include hot and cold applications, therapeutic ultrasound, and muscle stimulation.

You can contact Beyond Wellness Chiropractic Center for a same-day appointment.