Rib Pain Specialist
Pinnacle Health Chiropractic
Jason Ablett, DC
Chiropractor & Massage Therapist located in Kirkland, WA
Having pain in your ribs is not something you have to learn to live with. As a trusted provider for complex rib issues in Kirkland, Washington, Jason Ablett, DC spends time thoroughly diagnosing the cause of your rib pain. At his state-of-the-art office, Pinnacle Health Chiropractic, Dr. Ablett provides the most advanced treatment methods available. Whether you have a sudden case of rib pain, or if it has been a chronic issue for you, call the office or schedule your consultation online. The team offers flexible scheduling to help you get started on your rib pain treatment.
Rib Pain Q & A
What causes rib pain?
Your ribs are very fragile by design. This allows them to protect vital organs underneath, while still allowing movement for breathing. If you have rib pain, it can be caused by:
- Bone fractures
- Cartilage inflammation (costochondritis)
- Osteoporosis or arthritis
- Infections or inflammatory issues
- Fibromyalgia
- Dislocation
Sometimes rib pain is not caused by your ribs at all. Instead, you might have an underlying health issue that is causing pain. For instance, some cases of rib pain are caused by:
- Kidney stones
- Spleen inflammation
- Pancreatitis
- Lung inflammation or pneumonia
- Liver problems
Because pain in your ribs is typically a sign that something is abnormal in your body, see Dr. Ablett for a thorough checkup. He works closely with many musculoskeletal care management specialists who work together to find the cause of your rib pain and get it treated right away.
Do I need treatment for a broken rib?
Yes. Rib fractures account for approximately 12% of all bone fractures, especially in seniors. About 10% of patients who have experienced blunt force trauma, possibly from a sports injury or automobile accident, wind up with a broken rib. If you suspect you have broken a rib bone, you need immediate treatment to determine the severity.
Healing a broken rib is unlike treating most other broken bones since it is nearly impossible to isolate the bone. Dr. Ablett may use kinesiology tape to help stabilize your fracture and improve blood flow to the area. The goal of your treatment is to relieve pain and keep you comfortable so your body can heal. Your custom treatment plan depends on the location and severity of your rib fracture, and how far along you are in your recovery.
How is rib pain treated?
Customizing a rib pain treatment plan depends on the cause of your pain. Patients who have inflammation, dislocated ribs, or unknown rib pain cause often benefit from regular chiropractic sessions. These appointments are tailored to your needs and how you feel that day. Your visit may include:
- Manual chiropractic adjustments
- Electrical stimulation therapy
- Fascia treatment
- Ultrasound therapy
- Graston Technique treatments
Dr. Ablett generally orders new X-rays before getting you started on a treatment plan. Once he finds the cause of your rib pain, you can typically start treatment the same day.