Let’s take a look at slipping rib syndrome. This syndrome occurs when one of the ribs intermittently slips out of place, stretching the ligaments that support the front and back of the rib. In most cases a rib slips out of place because the ligaments that hold the ribs to the sternum, the sternocostal ligaments, are weak. In other words, loose ligaments leave the rib vulnerable to slipping out of place.  A simple coughing attack due to a cold may cause the development of slipping rib syndrome. Conditions such as bronchitis, emphysema, allergies and asthma cause additional stress to the sternocostal and costochondral junctions. Even sinusitis, with its associated nose blowing, can be the initial event that leads to chronic chest pain from slipping rib syndrome. Slipping rib syndrome can also be caused by surgery to the lungs, chest, heart or breast with resection of the lymph nodes, all of which put a tremendous amount of stress on the rib attachments because the ribs must be separated to remove the injured tissue.

So what happens if slipping rib syndrome goes untreated? Further instability will occur. The body will try to compensate by tightening muscles, eventually leading to muscle spasms. The best option for a person with rib pain is to see a Prolotherapist who can confirm the ligament laxity. Prolotherapy can then be used to strengthen the sternocostal ligaments to permanently secure the rib in place and eliminate pain. Watch as our Prolotherapist, Dr. Ross Hauser, administers Prolotherapy to the chest.