9 Causes of Rib Pain & How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Rib pain can be more than just a nuisance; it can significantly impact your daily life, making simple activities like breathing or laughing seriously uncomfortable. However, rib pain causes can be hard to nail down. It might feel tender or sore in certain positions but not in others.
So, is chiropractic care the right choice to get rid of your rib pain? And what’s causing it in the first place? In this article, we explore rib pain causes and how chiropractic care might help you get back to your normal. Let’s dive in!
Common Causes of Rib Pain
Rib pain can stem from various sources, ranging from minor injuries to more serious health conditions. Here are some of the most common causes:
1. Muscle Strain
As with anywhere in the body, overexertion or repetitive motion can strain the muscles around the ribs, leading to pain and discomfort. Surprisingly, even heavy lifting, bowling, or rowing excessively can lead to rib pain.
2. Costochondritis
This is an inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone, often resulting in sharp chest pain. This one can be hard to diagnose but with the right care, your chiropractor or doctor can get to the bottom of it.
3. Rib Fractures
A break in one of the ribs, usually caused by trauma such as a fall or a car accident, can lead to severe pain. Usually, this one is pretty obvious as it hurts immediately afterward.
4. Intercostal Neuralgia
This involves irritation or damage to the intercostal nerves that run between the ribs and can cause sharp, shooting pain.
5. Osteoporosis
In cases of osteoporosis, weakened bones, including ribs, are more susceptible to fractures, even with minor stress. However, usually, a bone density test confirms an osteoporosis diagnosis or not.
6. Pleurisy
This is an inflammation of the pleura, the tissue layers surrounding the lungs, causing sharp pain that worsens with breathing.
7. Lung Conditions
Since the ribs are close to internal organs, such as the heart and lungs, it’s no surprise that rib pain might be coming from one of these vital parts. For instance, certain lung conditions, such as pneumonia or a collapsed lung, can cause rib pain.
8. Poor Posture
Chronic poor posture can lead to imbalances and strain in the rib cage and thoracic spine. Luckily, with a few tips (and chiropractic care visits), this is a fairly easy fix.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free approach that can help combat pain and re-align the spine. When it comes to rib pain, a chiropractor can assess your condition to determine the underlying cause of your pain, utilizing a combination of a physical examination and, if necessary, diagnostic imaging. From there, your chiropractor will come up with a treatment plan unique to you and your life.
This treatment plan may involve:
- Spinal manipulations: Chiropractors use spinal manipulations to realign the spine and other joints, which can alleviate pressure on nerves and muscles surrounding the ribs.
- Soft tissue therapies: Techniques such as massage and myofascial release can help to relieve muscle tension and improve blood flow to the affected area.
- Lifestyle advice: Chiropractors can provide guidance on lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of rib pain, such as ergonomic tips and posture correction.
Overall, chiropractic care focuses on the body’s ability to heal itself, offering a holistic approach to treatment that addresses the root cause of pain. This way, you can leave pain in the past and get back to activities you know and love.
Book Your Appointment With Us Today!
Rib pain can arise from various causes, each requiring a unique approach to treatment. However, chiropractic care offers a comprehensive, personalized, and non-invasive solution to diagnose and address the underlying causes of rib pain. If you’re experiencing rib pain, consider consulting with our team at Anchor Health Chiropractic. Discover how chiropractic care can help you return to a comfortable, active lifestyle. Book your appointment today with your trusted Noblesville chiropractor!
