Slipped Rib Misalignment Information

While Slipped Rib Syndrome is relatively rare, its symptoms can be terrifying in that they resemble a heart attack. The pain is a result of softening of the cartilage that attaches your ribs to the sternum. It is responsible for allowing movement of your upper body. The condition is also known as floating rib syndrome.

The pain can present either in the front of the body by the sternum itself or in the back by the spine. The area surrounding the sternum is usually swollen and very tender and to the touch, and might even be bruised. You may have trouble breathing and the symptoms will get worse with any movement like bending, stretching, or coughing. Poor posture is known to be a contributing factor. Many patients slip a rib when they are ill and the injury is a result of excessive coughing or vomiting.

Treatment Expectations

It is important that when you are first diagnosed that you do not attempt to exercise for the first five days following the injury. You will need time to heal before actual treatment can begin. The floating ribs, in the course of the injury, will irritate nerves and strain the muscles.

Your initial treatment will take place at home and will involve rest, heat or ice, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Once you have begun to heal, you will be started on gentle stretches and exercises. You will also probably need to have a couple of massage sessions. Once you are ready, your chiropractor will do a simple adjustment that will get you moving again.

Why Should I Get Examined at Scott Chiropractic

With Slipped Rib Syndrome, chiropractic treatment will provide you with the following benefits:

  • You will be able to take deep breaths again. The pain of this syndrome often makes it difficult to breathe deeply, and once you have had your adjustment, you should breathe much easier.
  • The pain and swelling will subside. While this won’t be an instant result, you will see these results within a day or two of your adjustment.
  • You will have mobility again. Once your ribs are back in place, you might still be a little sore for a couple more days, but you should have full range of motion.
  • With treatment taking a slower path, building up to your adjustment through light stretching and massage will allow you to relax.
  • Your posture will improve after your adjustment.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. There is no serious illness that results from Slipped Rib Syndrome.

Recovery from Slipped Rib Syndrome is usually 1-2 weeks. This can be less if your symptoms are the result of a simple misalignment.

You may hear and feel a clicking inside your chest. This is the sound of your ribs dislocating. This is why it’s is occasionally called Clicking Rib Syndrome. It is also known as Costochondritis.