Rib pain can be especially noticeable when you cough, sneeze, laugh, twist or take a deep breath. Because your ribs move every time you breathe, irritation in the joints, muscles or tissues around the rib cage may make ordinary movements uncomfortable.
If you’re experiencing rib pain when breathing in Cobourg, it helps to know what might be causing it and when to have it checked.
Why Rib Pain May Get Worse When You Breathe
Your rib cage is designed to move. Each rib connects to the spine in the upper or middle back, and many also connect to the breastbone at the front of the chest. Muscles between and around the ribs help your chest expand and contract as you breathe.
When one of these structures is irritated, a deep breath or sudden movement may bring on pain. Possible musculoskeletal causes include the following:
Rib Joint Irritation: The joints where the ribs meet the mid-back can become stiff or irritated. You may notice discomfort in your back, along your side or around the rib cage, particularly when breathing deeply or twisting.
Intercostal Muscle Strain: The intercostal muscles sit between your ribs. Repeated coughing, strenuous exercise, sudden twisting or lifting may strain them. Coughing, sneezing, reaching or taking a deep breath may then feel uncomfortable.
Mid-Back Stiffness: Limited mid-back movement may affect how the ribs move. Some people notice both stiffness and rib discomfort after prolonged sitting, repetitive activity or a change in physical activity.
Soreness After Persistent Coughing
A strong or lingering cough repeatedly works the muscles and joints around the rib cage. Soreness can remain even after the illness that caused the cough has improved.
Dr. Amy recently assessed a patient who developed rib pain after a cold and was worried that the area was bruised. Her assessment pointed to irritation around a rib joint and strain in the nearby muscles. She explained her findings, used joint mobilization and soft tissue techniques, and showed the patient stretches to try at home.
When Rib or Chest Pain Needs Medical Attention
Rib or chest pain doesn’t always come from the muscles or joints. Have new or unexplained chest pain medically assessed rather than assuming it’s related to a recent cough.
Call 911 if chest pain occurs with chest pressure, significant shortness of breath, dizziness, unexplained sweating or coughing up blood. Seek prompt medical attention for high fever or pain after a significant injury.
How a Chiropractor May Assess Rib Pain
When symptoms appear musculoskeletal, a chiropractor may examine how your mid-back and rib joints move, check the surrounding muscles, and ask about your posture and recent activities. Depending on the findings, care may include manual techniques, mobility exercises, stretching or advice about returning to your usual activities. If another condition may be involved, the chiropractor may recommend medical evaluation.
Get Your Rib Pain Checked
If coughing, twisting or taking a deep breath keeps bringing on rib discomfort, an assessment can help clarify what’s going on. Contact Herron Family Chiropractic to book an assessment with Dr. Amy and discuss whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.