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Avatar universal

slipped rib?

Hi, I'm 18 years old, good shape, excercise daily. However lately I've been having these sharp pain in my rib area, around the lower ribs, when i turn or bend a certain way or breathe deeply. I can sometimes feel this sharp pain in my upper back ribs as well. When i press on my ribs it is tender to the touch, but isn't excruciating pain or anything, but it's noticeable.  The pain isn't always there, it's infrequent; it comes on suddenly I've looked up some possible causes of this on some sites, and slipping rib syndrome seems to have all the symptoms that I've described here.  Also, my posture isn't the greatest, I sometimes bend my back a little when on the computer,and have been stressed out as well. Just curious if anyone knows anything about slipping rib syndrome and if there are any ways of decreasing the pain? Thanks.
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Avatar universal
Try hot and cold alternative compression. This can help you alot.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hey,Slipping rib syndrome occurs when the ligaments holding the ribs in place move, cause the ribs to shift or slip.There are many possible reasons why slipping rib syndrome might occur ,treatment will depend on the severity of someone's pain and discomfort. If these are mild to moderate, the following treatment methods may be suggested:
1.physiotherapy
2.hot and cold alternative compression
3.stretch and rotation exercises

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You can get nerve blocks.  I have tried nerve blocks, chiropractor, massage therapy, PT and acupuncture.  Nothing has worked so far.  The next step is to have the slipped ribs removed.  Since they are the 11th and 12th ribs, they are not that difficult to remove, and it definitely eliminates the pain, but, finding a doctor with experience in this area is very difficult.  If anyone knows one, please post.  I have been talking to thoracic and plastic surgeons.  It seems that plastic surgeons actually have more experience with removing ribs than thoracic surgeons, so, I may go that route.  It is covered by insurance with either.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You can get nerve blocks.  I have tried nerve blocks, chiropractor, massage therapy, PT and acupuncture.  Nothing has worked so far.  The next step is to have the slipped ribs removed.  Since they are the 11th and 12th ribs, they are not that difficult to remove, and it definitely eliminates the pain, but, finding a doctor with experience in this area is very difficult.  If anyone knows one, please post.  I have been talking to thoracic and plastic surgeons.  It seems that plastic surgeons actually have more experience with removing ribs than thoracic surgeons, so, I may go that route.  It is covered by insurance with either.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for your post.  I went to see a sports medicine doctor (she had a slipped rib too).  She sent me to a physiotherapist who helped me with my posture and gave me a couple of exercises to do (thorasic stretch, another one for my neck).  She also examined my posture and told me how to sit at the computer (ergonomics).  I think I need to put a reminder on my computer. I really don't know about slipping rib syndrome or how to decrease the pain.  I believe I could simply take low dose aspirin, find out what movement, position or activity is causing it, and then to refrain from it.  I have four more appointments scheduled with a physiotherapist (half hour each).  I'm wondering how long it will take to heal (I guess this varies with age).  Thank you!
Helpful - 0

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Arlington, VA
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