Skip to Main Content
Make an Appointment

Slipping Rib Syndrome

Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, & Other Resources

Slipping rib syndrome is a painful medical condition that occurs as a result of the instability of the lower ribs (1).  This causes impingement of soft tissue and intercostal nerves.  Pain is typically at the lower, anterior border of the rib cage. It is most commonly unilateral with pain that involves the right or left ribs.   Slipping rib syndrome is often misdiagnosed.  It is also known as rib dislocation, rib subluxation, Dave-Colley’s syndrome, rib-tip syndrome, painful rib syndrome, costochondral separation, and clicking or moving rib syndrome.

Rib Popped Out Upper Back? Likely A Rib Subluxation

Ribs provide important protection of the heart, lungs, and other organs in the thoracic cavity in addition to aiding in respiration. Ribs 1-7 also called the true ribs and attach to the sternum by costosternal joints and ligaments.  The false ribs, numbers 8-10 unlike the ribs 1-8  do not connect directly to the sternum.  Rather they are connected to each other through costal cartilage and ligaments.  Defects or laxity in the costal cartilage and ligaments cause hypermobility of the anterior ends of the false ribs, number 8-10.  This instability allows slippage of one rib underneath the one above it.  The slipped rib leads to injury of ligaments, tendons, and muscles and irritation or injury of the intercostal nerve.  The intercostal nerves are important nerves that run on the under surface of the ribs and control the muscles of respiration.

Symptoms of Rib Subluxation

The pain associated with slipping rib syndrome can vary significantly.  Patients typically present with sudden-onset pain secondary to fast, jerking motions that include sneezing, sneezing, laughing, or leaning over.  Pain may be

Intermittent Sharp Stabbing Pain 

Constant Diffuse Low-Grade Pain

Pulsatile Diffuse Pain

The pain may be localized in a number of different locations that include:

  • Abdomen
  • Around the belly button (umbilicus)
  • Flank
  • Upper Back
  • Mid Back
  • Lower Back
  • Across the chest wall extending to the spine

Arm Pain at Night

Arm pain at night can be miserable.  The pain can interrupt your sleep and erode your quality of life. Irritability becomes increasingly more common.  What are the causes?  When should I worry about it?  What are the treatment options for arm pain at night? The neck is composed of 7 boney building blocks numbered 1- 7. Sandwiched between the bones is a disc that functions as an important shock absorber. The cervical discs are susceptible to injury due to trauma, degeneration, repetitive motion, and surgery. Common disc injuries include disc bulges, and herniations. The injured disc can compress or irritate one or more nerves resulting in arm pain at night. It can…

Read More About Arm Pain at Night

Left Arm Numbness

Treatment depends upon the underlying cause of the arm numbness. Left-arm numbness is a warning sign that requires attention. As noted above unexplained numbness requires immediate attention. At the Centeno-Schultz Clinic, we are experts in the treatment of left-arm numbness due to cervical nerve irritation, cervical stenosis, thoracic outlet syndrome, and peripheral nerve injuries. When appropriate first-line treatment should involve conservative care including physical therapy and stretching. Steroid injections should be avoided as they are toxic to orthopedic tissue and can accelerate damage. Surgery for Cervical Stenosis and Thoracic…

Read More About Left Arm Numbness

Upper Back Pain Between The Shoulder Blades

Upper back pain between the shoulder blades is also known as interscapular pain. Fifteen percent of the population suffers from chronic upper back pain. Finding the source of interscapular pain can be tricky because the upper back houses many important structures like the heart, the upper lobes of the lung, the cervical spine, the scapulas, and a dozen or so of muscles and nerves.

Read More About Upper Back Pain Between The Shoulder Blades

Causes of Slipping Rib Syndrome

Ribs # 8, 9, 10 also known as the false ribs are held in place by ligaments, fascia, and costochondral cartilage. Injury to any can cause slipping rib syndrome.

Ligaments

Thick pieces of connective tissue that connect bone to bone.  In the thoracic spine, there are lots of ligaments that attach the ribs to the thoracic spine. These include attachments between the rib head and the transverse process of the vertebral body.  They include the lateral and superior costotransverse ligaments which are illustrated below in yellow and red.  Two important joints are formed where the rib head joins the vertebral body: costotransverse and costovertebral.

Costochondral Cartilage

Costochondral cartilage are bars of hyaline cartilage that connect the front portion of the rib with the sternum (3).  They extend the ribs forward and provide elasticity for the thoracic chest wall. The cartilage can become weak either trauma, congenital deformities, or hypermobility.  Costochondral cartilage weakness allows the rib to slip underneath the adjacent superior rib creating injury to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and intercostal nerves.

Fascia

Fascia is sheets of connective tissue that attach and support various structures throughout the body.  In the thoracic spine, the fascia connects all the ribs and controls local movement along with the intercostal muscles.  Slipping rib syndrome can occur when there is damage to the thoracic fascia with one or more ribs moving too much.

Anatomical Review: How A Rib Gets Popped Out Of Your Upper Back

The rib cage is made up of 24 total ribs, with 12 on each side.  There are 3 principal types of ribs:

True Ribs:  Ribs 1-7th.  They attach anteriorly to the sternum by ligaments and costosternal joints.  Posteriorly they attach to the thoracic vertebral body and form two joints:  costotransverse and costovertebral.

False Ribs: Ribs 8-10.  They are connected to each other through the costochondral cartilage.

Floating Ribs:  Ribs 11-12.  They aren’t attached anteriorly to the sternum.  Rather they are floating.

Slipping rib syndrome is a condition that affects ribs 8-10, the false ribs.  Due to weakness or injury of the costochondral cartilage, ligament, or fascia, one rib slips underneath the superior rib creating injury to muscles, tendons, ligaments, and intercostal nerves.  The result is pain, inflammation, and dysfunction.

How A Slipped Rib Can Be Misdiagnosed

The thoracic cavity contains many structures such as ribs, thoracic spine, nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons, discs, facet joints, costotransverse, costovertebral joints, and costochondral cartilage.  Unlike the cervical and lumbar spine, it also contains vital organs such as the lungs, the heart, the kidney, the liver, and the pancreas.

Each of these structures is susceptible to injury with resultant pain.  Is the pain coming from the rib, the disc, or an internal organ such as the heart?  Accordingly,  It is not uncommon for patients with slipping rib syndrome sot have multiple unnecessary diagnostic tests to rule out problems with the heart, lungs, stomach, and gallbladder before finally getting diagnosed with rib dysfunction. Many patients have seen multiple physicians and multiple medical specialists that include cardiologists (heart), pulmonologists (lungs), and gastroenterologists (stomach).  Research has found that as high as 3% of all patients that have seen a gastroenterologist have rib instability as the cause of their symptoms.

A slipped rib can also be misdiagnosed or missed altogether due to the vague nature and location of the pain.  For some patients, the pain is diffuse and intermittent.  For others, it may be localized along the abdomen.  This can make the diagnosis of slipped rib difficult.

Questions Your Doctor Should Be Asking About Your Ribs

Patients with rib dysfunction and pain that does not respond to conservative care and rest should seek medical attention.  Given that slipping rib syndrome can be difficult to diagnose it is important that your physician take a detailed history.  Specific questions should include:

How did the pain start?

Did the pain start slowly over time or was there a specific injury with immediate onset of pain?  What was the injury and how did it occur?  Did you hear a pop?

What makes the pain worse?

Activities or postures that aggravate the pain need to be identified.  Is the pain worse with coughing, twisting, and side bending?

What makes the pain better?

Alleviating factors are important to identify and can help with making an accurate diagnosis.  Does rest or heat help?

Where is the pain?

Is the pain vague and diffuse in character?   Or are you able to specifically point to it?  Does it involve the rib near the spine or anteriorly near the sternum (chest plate)?

Any significant past medical history?

Do you have a history of lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, or pneumonia?  Any cardiac history such as heart attack, arrhythmias, or blood vessel blockage?

Any treatments to date?

A list of any and all treatments to date can be helpful.  Did they help the pain and dysfunction?  How long did the relief last?

Do Slipping Ribs Show Up on X-Rays?

Slipping rib syndrome occurs as a result of hypermobility of the costochondral and associated ligaments (2).  X-rays are static radiographic tests that do not evaluate hypermobility.  Slipping rib syndrome typically does not show up on x-rays or CT scans and exposes patients to unnecessary radiation.   In a small number of patients, the extra motion may be so severe that it can be seen on an x-ray as a misaligned rib.

The diagnosis is made by a thorough physical examination of the ribs.  the most common finding is tenderness along the costal cartilage.  The diagnosis is confirmed by the Hooking maneuver.  During this maneuver, the clinician’s fingers are placed under the affected rib which is then pulled forward.  If this reproduces the pain, it confirms the diagnosis of slipping rib syndrome.

Dynamic ultrasound however has been demonstrated to be effective in diagnosing slipping rib syndrome (4).  High-resolution ultrasound can demonstrate the movement of the ribs, and compression of muscles, tendons, and intercostal nerves.

Conventional Treatments 

When appropriate conservative therapy should be the first treatment.  The benefit of these treatments is they are readily available in most communities with no permanent side effects. Options include:

Rest

Avoiding heavy lifting, pushing, and pulling can reduce muscle spasms and pain.  Rest allows the body time to heal.

Heat or Ice

Ice can reduce inflammation and pain whereas heat can improve blood flow and healing.

NSAID

Ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac are oral NSAIDs that can reduce inflammation and swelling.  They have serious side effects which have been previously discussed.

Topical Analgesics

Topical analgesics are creams, gels, or lotions that contain different analgesics such as lidocaine, capsaicin, and NSAIDs.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can provide stability and muscular strengthening.

Rib Braces and Chest Binders

Braces and binders limit rib movement thereby minimizing tissue damage.

Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy

Osteopathic manipulative therapy has been found helpful in the treatment of slipping rib syndrome (5).  OMT can improve lymphatic and circulatory function and calm autonomic responses.

The Chiropractic Approach

Chiropractors and osteopathic physicians have a detailed understanding of anatomy, physiology, and the importance of symmetry and stability.  Each is equipped with special manual adjustment techniques to restore symmetry and balance.  In the case of slipping rib syndrome, a small adjustment may be able to relocate the slipped rib.  Unfortunately, if there is a defect or weakness in the costocartilage the rib more likely than not will simply slip out again due to instability.  Patients then are forced to return for continuous adjustments weekly or in some cases daily. There is a better solution which is discussed below.

Advanced Medical Treatments

There is a major difference between treating the symptoms associated with slipping rib syndrome and actually addressing and treating the underlying problem. Addressing the underlying problem is best.

If the underlying problem is the instability of the costochondral cartilage and ligaments, why not treat these areas with something that can strengthen both thereby effectively reducing the instability?  Two treatment options exist.

Prolotherapy Injections

Prolotherapy is the injection of an irritant solution, typically high concentrations of glucose that have been utilized extensively to treat ligament laxity (5).  The injected irritant creates an inflammatory response which kicks starts the healing cascade.  Unfortunately, many prolotherapy practittioners do not x-ray or ultrasound during the injections.  Rather they palpate boney landmarks and inject based on palpation.  In the thoracic spine, this is a poor choice given the proximity of the lungs

PRP

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma.  At the Centeno-Schultz Clinic, this is one of many different treatment options for slipping rib syndrome. All injections are performed by board-certified physicians using ultrasound and or x-ray guidance. PRP contains a large number of growth factors from your own blood that promotes your body’s natural ability to repair itself.  Both PRP and bone marrow concentrate have been demonstrated to be effective advanced medical treatments in patients with slipping rib syndrome and other types of rib disorders (6).

How Long Does It Take For A Slipped Rib to Heal?

It is very common for athletes involved in contact sports to get a slipped rib.  Trauma causes stretching and injury of the costochondral and ligaments leading to rib instability. It is also frequently seen in patients who have been involved in motor vehicle accidents.  Once damaged, it can take several months to resolve after PRP or prolotherapy.  Why?  This is due to the 3 phases of healing which are reviewed below.

NSAIDs

The other day I was evaluating a patient and reviewing the treatment options for their spine condition.  After discussing prior treatments, we got to the topic of medications taken for pain relief. She explained that she mainly utilized anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications and then she told me to hold much she takes and has been for many years…..she takes close to 2 grams (2000 milligrams) on a daily basis which equated to about 9-10 capsules of medication per day.  I was shocked, considering she was pre-diabetic and with high blood pressure plus the kicker of it is that her PCP (primary care physician) is ok with this…

Read More About NSAIDs

Prolotherapy For Thoracic Pain

Prolotherapy is an injection based regenerative therapy used in the treatment of ligament, tendon, muscle and spine injuries. It is minimally invasive and involves the injection of an irritant such as dextrose into the damaged or painful area. The injected irritant stimulates a delayed or frozen healing cycle thereby increasing blood flow and tissue healing. The thoracic spine is that section of the spine that is below the neck and above the low back. It is also referred to as the mid back. It has multiple components that include: Vertebral Bodies: Boney building blocks that stack one upon another…

Read More About Prolotherapy For Thoracic Pain

Prolotherapy Injections

It has been successful in the treatment of many disorders including neck, shoulder, knee, and ankle pain. Dr. Centeno recently published an article in The Journal of Prolotherapy in which he discusses the use of x-ray guidance with prolotherapy. This ensures that the injection is in the correct place to maximize clinical results. Dr. Centeno discusses the use of prolotherapy for the treatment of neck, knee, sacroiliac joint, ankle, ischial tuberosity, and shoulder pain. At the Centeno-Schultz Clinic x-ray guided prolotherapy is just one of the therapies utilized in the successful treatment of pain. Regenerative injection therapy (RIT) or prolotherapy…

Read More About Prolotherapy Injections

PRP Injections

PRP is short for platelet-rich plasma, and it is autologous blood with concentrations of platelets above baseline values. The potential benefit of platelet-rich plasma has received considerable interest due to the appeal of a simple, safe, and minimally invasive method of applying growth factors. PRP treatments are a form of regenerative medicine that utilizes the blood healing factors to help the body repair itself by means of injecting PRP into the damaged tissue. In regenerative orthopedics, it is typically used for the treatment of muscle strains, tears, ligament and tendon tears, minor arthritis, and joint instability. There have been more than 30 randomized controlled trials of PRP…

Read More About PRP Injections

Don’t Let A Slipped Rib Get In The Way of Having a Normal Life

Slipping rib syndrome is a painful medical condition that occurs as a result of the instability of the lower ribs. Pain is highly variable but typically involves only one side. Causes of slipping rib syndrome include ligament, costochondral cartilage, or fascia injury or weakness leading to instability. There are three principal types of ribs: true, false, and floating. A slipped rib can also be misdiagnosed or missed altogether due to the vague nature and location of the pain.  X-rays and CT scans are both static tests that do not demonstrate a slipped rib.  Dynamic ultrasound is effective in the diagnosis and treatment of a slipped rib.   Advanced medical treatments for slipping rib syndrome include ultrasound-guided prolotherapy and PRP.

While rib instability can be disabling at times, we have created a treatment option aimed at identifying and treating the underlying issue to resolve symptoms and improve function.  If you feel you have been dealing with rib dysfunction, please contact us for an evaluation and candidacy for rib stabilization treatment.  At the Centeno-Schultz Clinic, we are experts in the evaluation and nonsurgical treatment of rib injuries.

Fina a lasting solution for your thoracic and rib pain.  Make an appointment today


Empty Spacer

Doctors Who Help With Slipping Rib Syndrome

Thoracic Spine Physician and Expert

John Schultz, MD

John R. Schultz M.D. is a national expert and specialist in Interventional Orthopedics and the clinical use of bone marrow concentrate and PRP for orthopedic injuries. He is board certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine and underwent fellowship training. Dr. Schultz has extensive experience with same day as well as culture expanded bone marrow concentrate and sees patients at the CSC Broomfield, Colorado Clinic, as well the Regenexx Clinic in Grand Cayman. Dr. Schultz emphasis is on the evaluation and treatment of thoracic and cervical disc, facet, nerve, and ligament injuries including the non-surgical treatment of Craniocervical instability (CCI).

Empty Spacer

Other Resources for Slipping Rib Syndrome

The Spine Owner’s Manual: How to Avoid Back Pain & Life-Altering Surgery

This e-book from Dr. Chris Centeno focuses on the spine and how it functions within the human musculoskeletal system and the body as a whole. Everything in our bodies works together like a well-tuned symphony to support our well-being, and a strong spine (including all of its component parts, such as spinal nerves, ligaments, muscles, etc.) is critical to complete health.

Using the Regenexx SANS approach, The Spine Owner’s Manual provides a series of tests and clearly defined exercises that you can do on your own to measure and monitor your own spinal health. These musculoskeletal tests will allow you to monitor where your own body might be struggling to maintain proper stability, articulation, symmetry, and neuromuscular function.

  • Understanding the Role Of The Thoracic Spine Muscles

    The thoracic spine plays a critical role in the stability and mobility of the upper body. Comprised of twelve vertebrae and an intricate network of muscles and ligaments, it serves as a central pillar supporting the structure and movement of the body. Understanding the role and function of thoracic spine muscles is pivotal for anyone…

  • Degenerative Changes Of The Thoracic Spine

    Degenerative changes of the thoracic spine involve the gradual loss of normal structure and function over time. There are several different causes which are discussed in detail below. The thoracic spine is composed of many different and important components that are susceptible, both to injury and generalized wear and tear. The degeneration can occur in…

  • The Ultimate Guide To Thoracic Spine Exercises

    Thoracic spine exercises are important for several reasons. First, they can help improve thoracic mobility, reducing the risk of spinal injuries and improving posture. Second, they can help to strengthen the muscles of the upper back and shoulders. Finally, thoracic spine exercises can help improve breathing mechanics. What Is Thoracic Spine? The thoracic spine, also…

  • Where Is The Thoracic Spine?

    The thoracic spine is a region of the spine that is located in the middle back.  It is located below the cervical spine and above the lumbar spine.  It is composed of 12 vertebrae that are numbered T1-12. The T denotes the thoracic spine. It has many important functions which are discussed below. Location Of The…

  • Symptoms of Thoracic Herniated Disc

    Your mid back pain has been unrelenting since the accident.  Rest, medications, and physical therapy have failed to provide significant or sustained benefits.  Your doctor thinks you have a thoracic disc herniation and thinks you have a thoracic herniated disc. What are the symptoms? And what can you do? Let’s dig in. What Is A…

  • Thoracic Spine Anatomy: What You Need To Know

    What Is The Thoracic Spine? The thoracic spine refers to the section of the spinal column corresponding to the mid-back.  It is between the cervical spine (neck) and the lumbar spine (low back).  It consists of 12 boney building blocks called vertebral bodies that are labeled T1-T12.  The T refers to the thoracic spine. The…

———————————————

1.Foley Davelaar CM. A Clinical Review of Slipping Rib Syndrome. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2021 Mar 1;20(3):164-168. doi: 10.1249/JSR.0000000000000821. PMID: 33655998.

2.Turcios NL. Slipping Rib Syndrome: An elusive diagnosis. Paediatr Respir Rev. 2017 Mar;22:44-46. doi: 10.1016/j.prrv.2016.05.003. Epub 2016 May 12. PMID: 27245407.

3. Meilu Dai, Baiyan Sui, Yujie Hua, Yiqing Zhang, Bingkun Bao, Qiuning Lin, Xin Liu, Linyong Zhu, Jiao Sun,
A well defect-suitable and high-strength biomimetic squid type II gelatin hydrogel promoted in situ costal cartilage regeneration via dynamic immunomodulation and direct induction manners, Biomaterials, Volume 240, 2020, 119841, ISSN 0142-9612,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.119841.

4.Van Tassel D, McMahon LE, Riemann M, Wong K, Barnes CE. Dynamic ultrasound in the evaluation of patients with suspected slipping rib syndrome. Skeletal Radiol. 2019 May;48(5):741-751. doi: 10.1007/s00256-018-3133-z. Epub 2019 Jan 5. PMID: 30612161.

5.Germanovich A, Ferrante FM. Multi-Modal Treatment Approach to Painful Rib Syndrome: Case Series and Review of the Literature. Pain Physician. 2016 Mar;19(3):E465-71. PMID: 27008303.

6. Hevesi M, LaPrade M, Saris DBF, Krych AJ. Stem Cell Treatment for Ligament Repair and Reconstruction. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2019 Dec;12(4):446-450. doi: 10.1007/s12178-019-09580-4. PMID: 31625113; PMCID: PMC6942090.

Wait! Did you get your free download of The Spine Owner's Manual?

This book is full of tests and exercises to understand what is happening to cause your orthopedic pain. 

Ready to get help for your Slipping Rib Syndrome?

Get Help