Rib Pain Treatment in Dublin 2
Rib pain can be sharp, aching or tender and may be felt around the side of the chest, alongside the spine or towards the shoulder blade. It can sometimes be aggravated by twisting, reaching, coughing or taking a deep breath.
The ribs connect to the thoracic spine through a series of joints, so problems involving the ribs and mid back can often occur together. Muscles and other surrounding tissues can also contribute to pain in this area.
At Dublin 2 Chiropractic, we assess and treat musculoskeletal rib pain using an approach based on your symptoms and examination findings. Treatment may include chiropractic care, joint mobilisation, exercise and movement advice.
Understanding Rib Pain
The rib cage is made up of twelve pairs of ribs. Most attach to the thoracic spine at the back and connect towards the front of the chest through the ribs and costal cartilage.
Because the ribs move as you breathe and as your upper body moves, irritation or restriction involving the rib joints, surrounding muscles or chest wall can make everyday movements uncomfortable.
Musculoskeletal rib pain can be associated with:
- Restricted or irritated rib joints
- Muscle strains around the chest or upper back
- Sports or exercise-related injuries
- Repetitive movements or prolonged positions
- Thoracic spine stiffness or restricted movement
- Costochondral irritation around the front of the chest
Symptoms may include localised tenderness, sharp or aching pain, discomfort with twisting or reaching, or pain that is aggravated by taking a deep breath.
Your Rib Pain Assessment
Your first appointment begins with a consultation to understand where you feel the pain, how it started and which movements or activities aggravate your symptoms.
The physical examination may include assessment of the ribs, thoracic spine, surrounding muscles and relevant movements to help identify which structures are contributing to the problem.
This allows us to explain what we think is causing your symptoms and recommend an appropriate treatment approach.
Pain around the ribs or chest can occasionally have a cause outside the musculoskeletal system, which is why an appropriate history and examination are carried out before treatment.
Chiropractic Treatment for Rib Pain
When rib pain is musculoskeletal in origin, treatment is tailored to the joints and surrounding tissues involved.
Rib and spinal adjustments: Chiropractic adjustments can be used to improve movement in restricted joints of the ribs and thoracic spine and help reduce associated pain and stiffness.
Joint mobilisation: Gentler mobilisation techniques may be used to restore movement to irritated or restricted rib and spinal joints.
Exercise and movement advice: Exercises may be recommended to improve movement through the thoracic spine and rib cage and help you return to normal activities.
Activity advice: Where relevant, we may discuss exercise, working positions or other activities that appear to be aggravating the problem.
Your progress is reassessed throughout care so that treatment can be adjusted according to how your pain and movement are responding.
Rib Pain and Mid Back Pain
The rib joints and thoracic spine work together during movement and breathing, so rib pain frequently occurs alongside stiffness or discomfort in the middle of the back.
When both areas are involved, we assess and treat the rib joints and thoracic spine together rather than viewing them as separate problems. You can learn more about our approach to mid back pain.
Book a Rib Pain Assessment in Dublin 2
If you are experiencing persistent or recurring rib pain, tenderness or restricted movement, we can assess the problem, explain what we think is contributing to your symptoms and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Your first appointment includes a consultation and physical examination, followed by an explanation of our findings and recommended treatment options.
Dublin 2 Chiropractic is located at 79 Merrion Square South, Dublin 2, overlooking Merrion Square.
