Mississauga and Oakville Pain Clinic offering chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage therapy and orthotic services to residents of Churchill Meadows InMississauga
If you have ever experienced pain while breathing, it could have been due a rib subluxation. We have 12 pairs of ribs that encircle our lungs for protection. To help us breathe, these ribs must move with the lungs, similar to the movement of a bucket handle. The ribs are anchored to breast bone in the front (sternum), and to our spine in the back. These ribs are accompanied by two sets of muscles which allow for movement while breathing.
Unfortunately the movement of these ribs can become fixated, causing pain while breathing in. This can happen after rotational stress from an activity, such as playing tennis or turning while sleeping. The muscle and the rib joints can become irritated, reducing the rib’s movement. The stuck rib can also be accompanied by a strained rib muscle, which can cause sharp and focused pain. This pain is usually located about an inch to the left or right of the spine, or in the front near the breastbone.
Luckily, treating rib subluxations is quite straightforward, and results are usually immediate. A chiropractic adjustment can help restore rib motion by applying a small amount of force to free up the rib joint. The muscles around the rib are treated with various therapies, such as massage therapy, or using a technique called graston therapy. This therapy involves massaging the muscles with stainless steel instruments. To learn more about graston therapy, visit our page here.
Home remedies can involve stretching the mid-back region. Here are few of my favourite stretches for the mid back:
Rib pain can also be a symptom of a more serious health concern such as a fracture or an infection. Please consult with an appropriate health practitioner before performing any home-remedies for rib pain.
If you or someone you know is experiencing rib pain and would like to learn more, call our clinic for a free pain consultation. We can be reached at 905-593-1605.
Thank you for reading, and we wish you the best of health!