Rib Dysfunction: Understanding the Pain and the Path to Recovery

If you’ve ever felt a sharp, stabbing pain under your shoulder blade or an achy soreness in your upper back or chest, the culprit might not be your muscles alone — it could be your ribs.

Your rib cage is designed for two main purposes: protection of vital organs and movement during breathing and rotation. Each rib attaches at two points — the spine in the back and the sternum in the front — and is surrounded by muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. This complex structure makes ribs vital for function, but also vulnerable to dysfunction.

What Causes Rib Dysfunction?

Rib dysfunction occurs when a rib becomes slightly misaligned or restricted in motion at its attachment points. This can result from:

• Recent trauma or injury

• Poor posture (such as slouching at a desk)

• Improper sleeping positions

• Repetitive strain from work or sports

When the rib isn’t moving properly, the surrounding muscles may spasm in an attempt to stabilize the area, leading to pain and tightness.

Common Symptoms

People with rib dysfunction may experience:

• A deep, dull ache next to the spine

• Sharp pain under the shoulder blade

• Tenderness on the side or front of the chest

• Pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing

• Discomfort during torso rotation or reaching overhead

While chest pain can be alarming, studies show that up to 80% of chest pain cases are non-cardiac and musculoskeletal in origin [1]. That means rib dysfunction is more common than many realize.

Chiropractic Treatment for Rib Dysfunction

Chiropractors are trained to assess rib alignment and motion, as well as evaluate the surrounding soft tissues. Treatment often includes:

• Gentle chiropractic adjustments to restore rib alignment and improve mobility

• Myofascial therapy to relax tight muscles between and around the ribs

• Corrective exercises to improve posture and prevent recurrence

• Ergonomic recommendations to reduce stress on the rib cage during work, sleep, or activity

Most patients notice relief quickly once motion is restored and the surrounding muscles are allowed to relax.

Why It Matters

Nearly half of ER or cardiology visits for chest pain are actually musculoskeletal in origin [2]. That means many patients could benefit from chiropractic care rather than unnecessary medication or invasive procedures. By addressing the root cause — rib misalignment and muscle irritation — chiropractic care provides a safe and effective pathway to relief.

Takeaway

Rib dysfunction may be painful, but it is very treatable. If you’re experiencing chest, back, or shoulder blade pain that seems musculoskeletal, don’t ignore it. Chiropractic care can restore proper movement, relieve discomfort, and help prevent future flare-ups.

References

1. Fass R, Achem SR. Noncardiac chest pain: epidemiology, natural course and pathogenesis. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2011;17(2):110–123. https://doi.org/10.5056/jnm.2011.17.2.110

2. Panju AA, Hemmelgarn BR, Guyatt GH, Simel DL. The rational clinical examination. Is this patient having a myocardial infarction? JAMA. 1998;280(14):1256–1263. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.280.14.1256