Whether it happened doing overhead presses in the gym, pull-starting a lawnmower or following a violent sneeze, if you’ve had it happen to you, you know very well how extreme the pain of having a rib out is. A misaligned rib can make it exceedingly difficult to twist or reach – even the simple act of breathing can be excruciating.
What Causes Rib Pain?
Are you suffering pain in your ribs? If you are experiencing rib pain, it may be sharp, dull, or an achy feeling that is felt at or below the chest or above your navel. The pain can be felt on either side of your ribs and may occur after an obvious injury or appear without any explanation at all.
How Do We Treat Rib Pain at Shephard Health?
Depending on the cause of your pain, if it is due to a minor injury or a pulled muscle or bruising, we will diagnose your rib pain and we may use a number of different treatment modalities to treat your condition. We may recommend chiropractic treatment along with Active Release Techniques as well as massage therapy to treat your particular pain. Additionally, in order to facilitate your healing we may recommend kinesio taping along with cold laser therapy to help alleviate pain and to promote the healing process.
Since there are many reasons why you may be experiencing rib pain, we will perform a complete exam to determine your cause. However, if you are experiencing severe pain when breathing or moving your body into a specific position, or if you are having difficulty breathing, then we recommend you seek emergency help. These symptoms may be the sign of an impending heart attack.
How Do I Prevent Rib Pain?
You can prevent rib cage pain due to muscle strains or sprains by stretching your muscles, using exercise equipment properly, and staying properly hydrated. If an illness is causing your rib cage pain, get plenty of rest and follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Self-care treatments, such as applying ice to injuries or taking hot baths to relax, can also help prevent pain.