Can You Really 'Pop' a Rib?
Slipping rib syndrome occurs when cartilage on the upper ribs shifts out of place. It can result in rib pain, a stabbing sensation in the in the upper back and sometimes around to the front imitating a heart attack a popping feeling in the upper ribs, and difficulty breathing. Subluxated or partially dislocated ribs can cause numbing and tingling down one of the arms into the hands
How the Thoracic Spine & Ribs Are Connected
The thoracic spine consists of 12 vertebrae, referred to as T1 through T12, encompassing the upper back.This portion of the spine is curved out towards the back of the body to make space for the internal organs like the lungs and heart. These organs are protected by the rib cage.
The thoracic vertebrae T2 through T8 each have costovertebral joints. Each of these joints connects with a rib via a tiny notch at the rib’s head, called the tubercle. Due to this connection, issues in these spinal vertebrae can directly impact the rib.
Chiropractic Rib Adjustments
Misalignment in the thoracic spine puts pressure on the ribs and surrounding soft tissues and is a common cause of upper back and rib pain. A chiropractor can address this issue using spinal adjustments or manipulations.
Through this process, the chiropractor uses their hands or special tools to apply a controlled force to the spine. The aim is to realign subluxated (misaligned) vertebrae that have slipped out of place. Spinal realignment can also help fix herniated discs, which can further exacerbate discomfort.
Fix Rib Pain With Help from Your Local Joplin Chiropractor
Skaggs Chiropractic, LLC, offers spine and rib adjustments in Joplin, Missouri. Dr. Steven Skaggs is a licensed chiropractor with more than two decades of experience. He is also a member of the Academy of Chiropractic, part of his commitment to staying up-to-date on the latest chiropractic advances.
Call us at (417) 624-4242 to schedule your Joplin chiropractor quickly and easily.
Posted In:
Chiropractic
Rib Pain
