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RIB PAIN TREATMENT

The ribcage

Rib pain treatment in the chiropractic setting is adapted to the beautiful design of the ribcage. We are fearfully and wonderfully made!

The ribcage was designed to give protection to the vital organs, in particular the heart and lungs. However, compromise was needed to enable us to breathe.

So these organs are surrounded by a cage of bone, interspaced with small gaps filled with rib muscles (and some other structures, nerves and an artery). The ribs have to rise, increasing the space in the chest, drawing fresh air into the lungs, and then drop again as we exhale.

The ribs have a 'bucket-handle' configuration, with joints in the front (with the breastbone), and at the back (with the spine), allowing the ribs to rise and fall rhythmically.

Rib pain treatment by chiropractors was designed around this beautiful structure. Like anything mechanical, the ribcage too needs maintenance. Both the joints at the front (the costo-sternal joints) and the joints at the back (the costo-spinal joints) can be injured by freak movements. For an understanding of the anatomy of the ribcage follow this link.

RIB PAIN TREATMENT

Rib subluxations can be exquisitely painful. Every breath may be a nightmare. However, the treatment, correctly done is not usually particularly painful.

Firstly your chiropractor will want to rule out conditions of the chest. For example, pleurisy also causes pain with breathing.

Then s/he will likely use one of a number of loosening up techniques. This could be massage, or a vibrator, or stretching, or a mobilising technique.

"The Sprung Rib"

The treatment is likely going to be a gentle thrust straight onto your back, whilst you are lying on your tum. Often the whole area, and your chiropractor will need feedback from you, making sure that s/he is on the correct rib.

OSTEOPOROSIS: If you know you have brittle bones, it is important to warn your chiropractor. Most chiropractors will crack a rib occasionally on an osteoporotic patient. It is a risk, but greatly outweighed by the enormous relief millions get, for every cracked rib. It is painful, and will remain so for a few weeks. You can expect a red-faced doctor and a vase of flowers!

The risk

One cracked rib every ten years. That's one in 25000 treatments.

I treat at least ten patients in their 80's every week, yet continue to hear that medical doctors tell their patients that chiropractic treatment is far too dangerous for elderly bones. Bunkum. But we are careful! And gentle with the elderly. More about Causes of OSTEOPOROSIS ...

Pooh needs an adjustment too! He gets the sneezles in the Spring, and sometimes it can spring a rib!

FROM THE COAL FACE (I)

Unable to get into the car, we walked (with difficulty) to the clinic, about ten minutes away. (What a joy, it takes me literally two minutes on the bike!)

Isolating the rib was not difficult, the 7th on the right, it was exquisitely tender on palpation. She had significant immediate relief from my Chiropractic Rib pain treatment, and we walked home quite normally, and she slept well last night. It will take a few days to get over it completely.

I was given the task of making her favourite: Broccoli soup

"Heart-attack rib"

Syndrome of Tietze.

Rib pain treatment is not usually particularly painful.

Your chiropractor may also use a treatment where s/he stands over you whilst you are lying down, (or behind you whilst you are sitting or standing), giving a sudden vigorous thrust on your back.

FROM THE COALFACE (II)

'Doctor, what did you do to me last week?'

'What do you means, Mrs Jones?'

'I've had such pain here in my side. Every breath hurts!'

'Oh dear, I may have cracked a rib, Mrs Jones. Let me examine it ... yes, I'm sorry to say, I have done you a mischief.'

'Cracked a rib! How long will it be sore?'

'About three weeks. I'm sorry. I must have been a little too vigorous!'

'Will it remain weak?'

'Absolutely not. Within 3-6 weeks, the time it takes for bone to heal, the pain will be completely gone. It will be as strong as ever.'

'Should I sue you?' said Mrs Jones, with a laugh.

'You could, but then you will lose your chiropractor! Remember how many times over the years you have crawled into this office on hands and knees!'

'But it's so sore.'

'I'm afraid so. You are third person in twenty-seven years in practice. I'm sorry it had to be you. It will get better with no sequelae.'

'Now don't go using the long words again ...'

A bouquet of flowers arrived the following day at Mrs Jones's address! It happens with rib pain treatment. Three times in the 27 years. "Helaas", as we say in Dutch.