Chiropractic
Rib Dysfunction
Dr JemalKhan,
Chiropractor
A common source of upperback and even chest pain is rib dysfunction. This is often a surprisingfact for people. We tend to think of our ribs as non-moving bonesfused to our spine and sternum (breast bone). Actually, everybreath and every torso movement requires our ribs to move. Justas other bones and joints in our body can suffer injury and irritation,so too do ribs. A dysfunctional rib has lost the ability to properlycoordinate its movement with the rest of the ribs and spine aspart of a functional unit. The rib may be "stuck" inone position, or have an impaired range of motion. This wouldbe like a team of rowers, with one rower using his ore out ofsequence with his team.
Often rib dysfunction ismisdiagnosed and therefore improperly treated. It is not at allunusual in a chiropractic office to encounter patients who havesuffered with this problem for years!
In many cases a rib develops joint problems because of ongoingphysical mechanical stress on the joint, resulting in a painfuljamming of these sensitive tissues. This mechanical stress canoriginate from poor posture, vertebral misalignment, asymmetricalmuscle development, scoliosis, lifting trauma, or muscle spasm.If there is an underlying problem, a simple coughing attack maybe all that is required to start this process.
Rib dysfunction can causedifficulty breathing, restricted shoulder movement, referred painto other areas, and reactive muscle spasm. The misaligned ribscan also pinch intercostals nerves, sending excruciating painthrough the length of the rib. A common complaint is a chroniclow-grade ache, with episodes of severe sharp pain in the upperback.
Often patients mistakenlythink that this problem is purely muscular, and turn to musclerelaxants for relief. Usually muscle relaxants provide short-termrelief, the pain returns over the next day or two. This occursbecause the muscle spasm was a reaction to the rib dysfunction,and was not the real problem. Once your chiropractor has properlydiagnosed and treated the rib dysfunction, the muscles will returnto their normal tone. Many people find that at this stage of theirtreatment a deep tissue massage is very effective and enjoyable.
Chiropractic provides definitiverelief of the cause of this problem. Your chiropractor will firstrestore the proper alignment and joint function of the rib. Aneffective treatment program will correct any associated weaknessthat led to the injury, be it postural or other factors. A treatmentprogram often includes postural retraining, and an aggressivestretching program.
Rib dysfunction is a conditionthat can cause chronic upper shoulder, back, and chest pain. Thiscondition is very receptive to proper treatment. It will respondto a program of chiropractic, rehabilitative exercise, and massage.
Dr. Jemal Khan,
Chiropractor
Cayman Chiropractic Clinic