Slipped Rib Syndrome and Associated Pain
Never in my life have I experienced such pain as I did for several days last week. I had excruciating pain in the right upper area of my back between my shoulder blades due to slipped ribs. I’m not sharing this to get sympathy from anybody. My reason for sharing it is because evidently Slipped Rib Syndrome is a common medical problem, but is easily misdiagnosed according to what I’ve found on the internet. I have never heard of such myself and figure there are many more that haven’t either. ***See note at the end of this post.***
The slipped rib (or ribs, still not sure how many) was causing excruciating and intense pain next to my right shoulder blade. The pain was shooting through my shoulder down my right arm causing throbbing pain in my elbow and completely numbing my right hand. It hurt so bad I raised my right arm up over my head and held onto my right wrist with my left hand in an attempt to ease the pain only to get it stuck in that position. Yes, it was stuck there all night long until I could get in to see a chiropractor first thing the next morning! I paced in terrible pain all night with my arm stuck in that position.
Thank God the chiropractor was able to immediately relieve me of the worst of the pain and enable me to put my arm back down to my side by adjusting and popping this, that, and the other in my shoulders and neck. Needless to say, I’ve been quite apprehensive about raising my arm above my shoulder since then. Doc did tell me not to do so for several days. Trust me, I don’t have to be told not to do that again.
I spent two days flat on my back in bed with an ice pack on the muscles in that area to address the swelling. Lying flat on my back along with some la-la meds prescribed by my family Dr. eased the remaining pain. The swelling was putting pressure on nerves and causing numbness in my right hand. My index and middle fingers are still numb today, but the rest of my right hand has feeling in it again.
According to DH I had what he termed bloggers elbow. At least that’s his explanation as to WHY my right arm got stuck. DH termed this bloggers elbow because I use my right hand to maneuver my mouse and I have to stretch my arm out to use it due to the way my desk is setup. I told him that if he’s right then it’s time for me to buy a more ergonomically fitting desk and chair. 
I have my own theories as to what brought this on, but since this post is so long and I’m finally feeling up to working and having fun again I’ll save them for another post. Have you ever experienced slipped rib syndrome? What do you think brought it on? Have any recommendations for a good ergonomic desk and chair? Exercises to prevent this from happening?
***Note*** This is STRICTLY a post about my own personal experience with Slipped Rib Syndrome. It is NOT to be misconstrued and used to determine whether or not you are experiencing Slipped Rib Syndrome, too. If you have similar symptoms, SEE YOUR DOCTOR. These symptoms could be indicative of a number of different medical issues that only members of the medical profession are qualified to determine and diagnose.
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Hey Sister!
I hope you are feeling much better! I just got back from Oklahoma and thought I would stop in and say HI!
Let’s connect very soon.:)
Love and HUGS!
Leslie
Comment by SkinCareGirl — June 5, 2007 @ 12:30 pm
Hey Lady! *waving*
Glad to hear you made it home safe and sound from your trip to OK. I’m sure you enjoyed your time with your family and friends back home.
Thx for the well wishes. It’s gradually getting better. Still have two numb fingers but my arm and shoulder are much more functional now, thank goodness.
I’ll be in most of the week so give me a ring if you get time after settling back in.
(((Hugs))) backatcha!
Comment by angela — June 5, 2007 @ 2:05 pm
9 months ago I was the driver and had a truck hit the driver side of my car totaling it. The following refers to the thoracic area. MRI showed degenerative disk and spondlois, some arthritis and wedge deformity. My Doctor kept telling me the pain was ligments nothing is broke, I kept sayin are you sure, it hurts like an organ, heart or lung, It feels like someone is on the inside of me pushing my ribs out (pressure to the point of pain) in front and got worse AS I laid down but within 2 minutes on my back the pain stopped, It felt like a knife was stuck in my shoulder blade, and about an inch left of my spine a place 5 inches long ached and throbbed, my breathing is affected like someone is sitting on my chest making it hard to get my breath and sometimes my sternum bones are painful. Finally I went to a Wonderful Chiropractor, he explained so that even I could understand: All those symptoms are from several slipped ribs, they are hard to fix because he puts them in place but each time we breath,19,000 times per hour, it moves the ribs, ligiments hold the ribs in place and if the ligments got stretched to much in the accident they don’t go back to the oringinal size and won’t keep the ribs in place, the movement causes rubbing against things like cartilidge causing irritation and infaming areas. He explained there is no test that will show this, it is like a board the is 8 foot long and you pick up one end 3 foot but near the other end is just a fraction off the floor, the rib can be slipped just a fraction and it puts a lot of pressure on the other end, on cloudy days it is harder to breath so we use our muscle and move different to pull in air is why the sternum bones hurt sometime. The reason it quits hurting after a couple of minutes when I lay on my back is: pain and pressure use the same receptors and pressure takes priority over pain and said to limit doing that. When I went back to my Family Doctor I said: if I understand it correctly naming the symptoms are slipped ribs, will they heal and that stop hurting? He said they usually don’t (yet he had never said I had slipped ribs or explained anything) I still have these things, some get better then back to worse. Sorry to take up so much space. Have a good day.
Comment by Pam — October 18, 2007 @ 2:03 pm
Pam,
So sorry to hear about your accident. It is definitely a painful and frustrating experience to deal with, isn’t it?
I’m still having issues from time to time when I forget and try to carry or lift heavy items with my right arm/hand. My right hand index finger never has regained feeling in it, and my understanding is that indicates there’s still inflammation somewhere and/or a pinched nerve. It’s annoying more than anything for me. Sometimes difficult if picking up something small with my fingers or just trying to turn a page in a book.
Did some research and also understand that it’s best to let your body deal with this naturally if you can bear the associated pain and annoyance rather than taking anti-inflammatory meds. Your body will produce the collagen necessary naturally to develop “scar tissue” and heal the affected areas. (I think the affected area is the cartilage? Would have to double check that.) Anti-inflammatory meds will halt that natural process of collagen production from what I understand. The injury itself signals the body to produce the collagen needed to strengthen the affected area.
Comment by angela — October 18, 2007 @ 2:34 pm
Angela,
Thank you for your response an the info about the anti-inflamitory meds. When you find out what all is involved (cartlidge etc) please let me know. What do you think caused your slipped ribs? I haven’t read anywhere about your symptoms being slipped ribs or some of mine for that matter, why do you think there is so little info about this condition? My Chiropractor is telling me it is slipped ribs but on the medical records that I got from him it doen’t say one word about slipped ribs nither does my medical Doctors records. I would advise everyone to get their medical records from their Doctor, I think you would be very suprised at what is on them. I type a letter and give it to my Doctors now then keep a copy and write on it that the Doctor read it and their responses. These can be very important in case of an accident.
Comment by Pam — October 21, 2007 @ 12:58 am
What cause slipped rib syndrome is a great question and agree that chiropractic is the treatment of choice. My recommendation is to check the spine so its clear of subluxation since the central nervous system controls the rest of the body including the ribs. A misalign vertebra can lead to a rib subluxation.
Comment by Singapore Chiropractor — November 9, 2007 @ 9:47 pm
SG, thank you SO much for your recommendation! It’s really appreciated. I will discuss this with my chiropractor at my next appt.
Thanks again!
Comment by angela — November 9, 2007 @ 10:40 pm
Just heard about slipped rib syndrome and it really peaks my interest. For about 6 months now if I bend down and turn the upper torso it feels like something is stuck and sends terrible pain into my side taking my breath away. The pain is horrendous. I can only explain it as stuck. I can turn a certain way or reposition myself to get it unstuck. I don’t think Dr.’s really know much about this. There was a 12 yr old boy at our school who just had a rib removed to alleviate this problem. At first I thought maybe it was a hernia from a prior surgery, but this is just something I can’t put into words. Thanks for all the info and maybe I can help someone also.
Comment by janice — November 20, 2007 @ 7:49 pm
Hi Janice, glad to be of help in some way with this post. I agree with you that it doesn’t seem Dr’s know very much about this. My Dr. just prescribed a pain killer which made me sicker than ever. I CANNOT take stuff like that.
It was a retired Chiropractor that got me back in shape. Evidently something is still amiss, though, because the tip of my right index finger is STILL numb after all these months.
Do a Google search on “slipped rib syndrome” AND/+ “collagen”. I think you’ll find a little more indepth information.
Comment by angela — November 20, 2007 @ 11:03 pm
I too have frequent slipped rib syndrome but I have found its due to me having osteoporosis. I have discovered that I have severe osteo due to a non union wrist bone that has been broken for over 4 years. If you go to hug me hard, you can even break my ribs which has happened. I have slipped rib approx twice a year and just have learned to suck it up as the treatment was cortizone shot into my ribs. I can’t go to a chriropractor as my ribs can break with any wrong manipulation.
I have recently bought a TENS machine for use on my wrist and last week had my rib slip. I have been using my tens machine 3 times a day on the front of my rib case under my breast and the back rib. This does lessen the pain alot to make it more bearable. Maybe using a TENS will help someone else.
Comment by Avis Ellis — December 18, 2007 @ 9:59 pm
Hi Avis! I’m sorry to hear you have to deal with this more frequently. I’ve been fortunate lately that all has been well for me.
TENS machine? I’ll have to look that up. Haven’t heard of it before.
Comment by angela — December 18, 2007 @ 11:37 pm
Angela. TENS machines deliver small electrical pulses to the body via electrodes placed on the skin. TENS machines are thought to affect the way pain signals are sent to the brain. Pain signals reach the brain via nerves and the spinal cord. If pain signals can be blocked then the brain will receive fewer signals from the source of the pain. We may then feel less pain.
TENS machines are thought to work in two ways.
* When the machine is set on a high pulse rate (90-130 Hz) it triggers the ‘pain gate’ to close. This is thought to block a pain nerve pathway to the brain. This is the normal method of use.
* When the machine is set on a low pulse rate (2-5 Hz) it stimulates the body to make its own pain easing chemicals called endorphins. These act a bit like morphine to block pain signals.
Human body generates very weak electricity that is not easily recognized. However smooth stimulation by low frequency waves creates massage effects, such as tapping, pressing, rubbling and kneading.
My home unit was bought for $35 on Ebay. If you want any more info email me at avisellis@shaw.ca.
I used the TENS for 2 hours today and the pain is almost entirely gone! Usually this takes months to go away.
Comment by Avis Ellis — December 20, 2007 @ 11:49 pm
I wonder if this happens with people of our age more often than young people. Anyone know if this is common among the younger generation? Thanks for sharing there is always something we don’t know or come across yet.
Comment by Paulina Jenkins — January 31, 2008 @ 11:32 pm
Good question, Paulina. I’m interested in knowing the answer to that,too.
Comment by angela — February 1, 2008 @ 12:51 am
I’m only 30 and currently have my 2nd slipped rib in 6 months, have to say this is just as painful as when i cracked several ribs 12 months ago. I would love any ideas on how to stop this from happening again.
Comment by jenntink — March 4, 2008 @ 11:41 am
Good morning Guys, I wanted to tell you that I have had these symptoms for over 19 years now and know one has been able to tell me what it is. I have had EKG’s done Cat Scans and blood work done which were all normal. Until this morning of doing my own self diagnosing did I find the Slipped RIb Syndrome. It matches every symptom I have except I get sick and then feel so exhausted afterwards. It is so very painful. Good luck to all of you!
Comment by sherry — May 22, 2008 @ 10:40 am
Type wikipedia tietze in your browser, it does not include all the slipped rib symptoms but list some of the symptoms of slipped ribs and has some info. It does say if there is pain that we should lay down and gently massage the area…are they joking, who can stay in bed for months or years?
Comment by Pam — July 11, 2008 @ 11:09 pm
When called Tietze’s Syndrome, the pain from costochondritis is accompanied by redness and or swelling in the areas most tender.
http:// orthopedics.about.com says:
What causes costochondritis?
This condition is thought to be most commonly due to repetitive microtrauma, or overuse. This means that activities are causing repeated damage to the cartilage of the chest wall leading to inflammation.
Comment by Pam — July 23, 2008 @ 8:18 pm
I’m a 27 year old woman (so not a baby-boomer). I found this site through researching Slipped Rib Syndrome. I had viral pneumonia when I as eight and eventually underwent drastic surgery to cleanse and drain my chest cavity. It seems that all the scar tissue this caused has left me with Slipped Rib Syndrome. I suffered for years until I saw a chiropractor. My ribs slip out of place weekly, although not as painfully as it used to be. I see my chiropractor about once a week. I’m not sure if there is much I can do about it, but I’ve decided to strengthen my back and my core as much as I possibly can, and hopefully it will happen less often. If anyone knows of effective exercise routines to combat this condition, I would be very interested. Good luck to all of you.
Comment by Minette — August 27, 2008 @ 2:44 am
hello all.i was also diagnosed with slipped rib syndrome..but heres the catchy part.my dctr told me it will not show up on xrays..do any of you guys have back problems??i believe somehow its all connected
Comment by marilyn — November 8, 2008 @ 5:52 pm
Great playlist!!!!!!! I think you made it just for me. As I scrolled down the list, I could not believe all of my favorite songs kept coming up from Monstermash to King of the Road to Jim Dandy to Proud Mary to ZZ Top to Jimmy Buffet. The real killer was Land of 1000 Dances and Patches. Thanks for the second trip down memory lane this year, as first was 40 year high school reunion.
Comment by Jack — November 20, 2008 @ 8:30 am
Thanks, Jack! Glad you enjoyed your time here and hope you return soon to enjoy the music and my blog again.
Comment by angela — November 25, 2008 @ 7:01 pm
I have ribs that slip out a lot. Have been to the Chiropractor and she put the ribs back in place and before I walked out the door it would come back out again. She showed me how to put them back in place, but tolded me not to tell anyone she said so. Stand firmly straight and have someone push on your back, while you raise your arm toward your back. Been doing this for years. Hope this imformation helps someone.
Comment by idamissey — September 14, 2009 @ 4:02 pm
My special friend, Grant, is suffering from a slipped rib. He fell off of the porch a couple of days ago.
He went to a Chiropractor, but this happened or brought the extreme pain forth a couple of days later.
He thinks that he turned wrong last nite in bed. He is 66 yrs old. Do you think that he needs a softer bed, or a harder sleeping place? Would that help.??
Comment by Sharen Culver — September 17, 2009 @ 1:34 pm
Just cracked up seeing theses postings. The past 2 yrs.or so have been physically horrible due to left sided rib area pain. CT’s, MRI’s all normal, organs in good shape, and BINGO…Thank God for my CHIROPRACTOR & PHYSICAL THERAPIST. The conventional group has their place, but a ton of time was spent on Dr. after Dr. with no answers, just confirmation that it didn’t fall into their specialty. Jonathon Greenberg is the MAN.
Comment by Charlie — October 2, 2009 @ 1:45 pm
Angela,
I never heard of slipped ribs before but it seems bad. Apparently it is easily fixed when you get to the right doctor. I’d be interested in knowing how you caused the injury.
Comment by Doug — November 15, 2009 @ 7:57 pm
Hi,
It’s been some time since your original post. I’m interested to know if you are still experiencing this problem? Would you consider it a chronic problem now, or did your past therapy (seemed like a very competent Chiropractor) work long term.
I’d also like to know more about any of the prevention strategies you may utilizing.
thanks very much
Comment by Christian — December 18, 2009 @ 2:36 pm
Christian, in hindsight, I believe carrying heavy handbags, heavy totebags, grandchildren in infant carseats, etc. over a period of time weakened the area which also was experiencing a decrease in collagen production due to aging.
I haven’t had anymore issues with since this incident, but that’s probably due to being MUCH more careful about the amount of weight I pick up or carry on either side and HOW I carry it.
Comment by angela — December 20, 2009 @ 12:54 pm
Glad to hear all is better now! Sounds like you are much more proactive. Stay well.
Comment by Christian — January 18, 2010 @ 4:48 pm