Mid back pain caused by Rib
created by Leslie
Presented for Dr. Ryan Bellacov, D.C.
There are many causes for mid back pain. Some causes range from lower back/ neck misalignment, blunt force trauma, overuse, twisting/ bending/ lifting/ pushing/ pulling something the wrong way (Intercostal Neuralgia), sitting for long periods of time, stress, and neuro-musculoskeletal conditions. Basically back pain is cause by four main factors: Tight muscles, weak muscles, joint movement, and pelvic balance.
It’s very likely that the mid- upper back pain being experienced is due to weakness at the costovertebral junction. Costovertebral Ligament laxity refers pain from the mid- upper back to the chest. This commonly causes chest discomfort. Anytime the rib cage is jarred , the Costovertebral junctions are prone to injury. This can occur from being struck in the chest, after receiving CPR, or from the after effects of heart or thoracic surgery.
Contributing factors that lead to the development of a Costovertebral joint sprain are: poor posture, thoracic spine stiffness, a sedentary lifestyle, poor core stability, muscle weakness/ tightness, inappropriate lifting technique, life style with large amounts of sitting/ bending or lifting.
Signs and symptoms include: feeling a sudden onset of upper back/ rib pain during causative activity. Symptoms are usually felt on one side of the spine and rib cage, muscle spasms may be experienced around the affected joint. Sometimes pain is felt along the rib, into the shoulder blade, and into the upper limb. Symptoms may be intensified during coughing, sneezing, or with deep breathing, or with activities that involve twisting, lifting, arching backwards, bending forwards, or bending sideways.
Diagnosis of a Costovertebral sprain are achieved through a thorough subjective and objective examination from a physiotherapist. A MRI, CT scan, X-ray, or blood tests may be used to confirm diagnosis. In some cases, the assessment stage may involve diagnostic tests to better evaluate the condition and develop an treatment plan.
Treatment- Most patients heal quickly and make a full recovery with appropriate physiotherapy. Physiotherapy for patients with this condition is essential to hasten the healing process, ensure an optimal outcome, and reduce the likelihood of future recurrence.
Treatment may comprise of:
- Chiropractics; This involves readjustment and realignment of the spine by a professional chiropractor.
- Acupuncture. Small needles are inserted at points along meridians in the body to redirect energy and reduce pain.
- Medication. A variety of pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs, both prescription and over-the counter, are effective in relieving back pain, including aspirin, ibuprofen, Tylenol, naprosyn, mobic, and ultracet
- Physical therapy. This category includes treatment visits to a physical therapist as well as exercises the therapist prescribes for the patient at home. A physical therapist may use other techniques as well, including ultrasound, heat, ice, and electronic stimulation, to help relieve back pain
TENS Units. A Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation unit can be prescribed by a doctor and worn by the patient in the affected area to interrupt the electrical impulses of pain to the brain
Surgery. As a last resort, surgery may be an option for long-term relief of back pain