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.

The vital organs are surrounded by a cage of bone, interspaced with small gaps filled with rib muscles (and some other structures). The ribs have to rise, increasing the space in the chest, drawing fresh air into the lungs.

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 with Chiropractic

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.

If the subluxation is primarily in the middle of the back, the treatment is likely going to be a gentle thrust straight onto your back, whilst you are lying on your tum.

If the subluxation is of the breastbone joint, then s/he will use a technique where the hands travel all along the rib, from back to front. The hands may lie close to the breast tissue, so if you feel uncomfortable bring a family member with you.

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.

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!

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

FROM THE COALFACE

'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. Once in the 27 years. Helaas.

For jolly good chiropractic reads follow this link.

To go from RIB PAIN TREATMENT to CHEST PAIN page follow this link