Rib Injuries
- Rib fractures/strains/bruising
- Costochondritis – inflammation of where the ribs join with the sternum (breastbone)
- Spasm/strain of the Respiratory Diaphragm
- Rib strains/injuries can have a big effect on shoulder movement/pain as well as pain down the arm. Full pain-free shoulder movement requires full normal range of motion of the ribs
- Rib strains/injuries can also have a big effect on neck movement and pain free function. Many neck muscles attach to the upper ribs, and when the ribs are strained it can cause a dysfunction in the neck muscles restricting neck or cervical spine range of motion. This can also contribute to tension headaches
- Rib strains/injuries can also have a big effect on the thoracic spine (upper back) and it’s muscles/soft tissues/nerves contributing to pain and dysfunction in these structures