Pain in or around the ribs is terrifying, especially when you don't know the cause. It varies from slight discomfort or aching to severe stabbing pain that's constant.
While some possible causes of rib pain include injuries, fractures, or costochondritis, others don't involve the rib tissues. At Pinnacle Health Chiropractic, our team is an expert in all kinds of rib pain and treatments.
Dr. Jason Ablett is an experienced and board-certified chiropractor offering holistic and conservative care for various types of rib pain and musculoskeletal problems.
Rib pain is any discomfort around the chest and lower rib area. It has various causes and may be acute or chronic.
Many people describe rib pain differently, from stabbing and intense discomfort to an intermittent ache. It's often due to injuries, inflammatory conditions, or underlying medical problems.
However, sometimes rib pain isn't due to the ribs; it could stem from the heart, lungs, or other organs within the body. It's always a good idea to get an evaluation for rib pain, even if you know it's from an injury.
Rib pain is concerning if you haven't suffered an injury or it continues despite home care. But what else could it be if an injury or inflammation isn't the cause? Here are four less-known causes of rib pain to be aware of:
Fibromyalgia is a prevalent problem that leads to musculoskeletal pain all over the body. The cause of fibromyalgia is often unknown but leads to significant pain in areas like the ribs.
Osteoporosis happens when the bones become brittle and weak, leading to fractures in the ribs and spine. Unfortunately, most people don't know they have osteoporosis until they suffer a fracture, usually from a mild injury or from doing nothing but sneezing.
Kidney stones cause pain in the side, abdomen, and flank, but the pain may radiate up into the ribs. Depending on the size of the stone and its location in the urinary tract, the pain may continue in the ribs until it passes further.
The diaphragm is the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen and is crucial in breathing. Sometimes, the muscle spasms cause sudden and intense pain in the ribs.
At your initial appointment, Dr. Ablett evaluates your rib pain by discussing your symptoms and performing an exam. He then determines the treatment you need based on the cause of the pain.
Musculoskeletal rib pain responds well to chiropractic care and treatment. He often recommends manual muscle manipulation, regular chiropractic adjustments, and electrical stimulation.
Fascia release therapy and trigger point injections also help with some forms of rib pain. Before treatment, Dr. Ablett may order X-rays or other imaging studies to determine the root cause of the problem.
Call Pinnacle Health Chiropractic today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ablett for rib pain evaluation and treatment, or request an appointment here on our website.
