Costotransverse Sprain

What Is a Costotransverse Sprain?

A costotransverse sprain can happen without warning. You might wake up with it after sleeping awkwardly or twisting in bed. It can also result from minor movements the day before that didn’t seem serious at the time.

We treat this condition regularly. Rib pain from a sprain typically responds well to chiropractic care, often improving within 2–3 sessions. If you’ve had it before and it keeps coming back, treatment may take longer.

Rib dysfunction can also mimic internal issues, such as:

• Chest pain that feels heart-related

• Discomfort in the lungs, stomach, or esophagus

• Pain radiating to the arm

• Worsening symptoms in people with asthma or breathing difficulties

Chronic or Recurrent Rib Pain

In some cases, rib pain becomes chronic and recurring. Patients may have tried:

• Long-term anti-inflammatory medications

• Steroid injections in the spine or rib joints

These treatments often give only short-term relief.

When we examine these patients, we often find poor posture (such as slouched shoulders) and weak thoracic muscles. Common risk factors include:

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Increased mid-back curvature (kyphosis)

• Scoliosis

• Large breasts

• Frequent heavy lifting

To treat long-term issues, we combine chiropractic adjustments with postural correction and muscle strengthening. Some female patients have even found relief after breast reduction surgery to reduce back strain.

Why You May Feel Pain in the Front—When the Problem Is in the Back

Pain can be referred from one area to another. For example:

• Neck issues can cause arm or head pain

• Lower back problems may lead to leg pain

• Mid-back or rib problems can cause chest pain

Severe rib dysfunction can irritate the cartilage near the breastbone (sternum), making the front of your chest very tender—especially when breathing or moving.

Before treatment, chiropractors carefully rule out serious medical conditions. If anything suggests a heart, lung, or other internal issue, we immediately refer patients to the appropriate medical provider.

Conditions That Mimic Rib Pain

Several health conditions can present as rib or chest pain, including:

• Pleurisy (inflammation of the lung lining)

• Chronic cough

• Fractured rib

• Rib cartilage injuries

• Infections (e.g., pneumonia, tuberculosis)

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Osteoporosis or chronic steroid use

• Vitamin D deficiency

• Lung cancer, rib cancer, or multiple myeloma

Chiropractors are trained to identify and differentiate these conditions during your examination.

How Your Ribs Work (Anatomy 101)

Your ribs connect at the back to your thoracic spine and at the front to your sternum (breastbone). You have 12 ribs on each side, with:

• Two joints at the spine

• Front joints for the top seven ribs

• Two “floating ribs” at the bottom, which don’t attach at the front

Each rib is supported by ligaments, muscles, and nerves. Injuries can affect any of these structures, leading to pain and dysfunction.

What Is Rib Dysfunction?

Rib dysfunction refers to a mechanical issue where the rib joint becomes “jammed.” This restricts normal motion and causes:

• Sharp, stabbing pain

• Muscle spasms

• Tenderness

• Difficulty breathing or sleeping

The pain is usually in one specific area and worsens with movement or breathing.

How Rib Dysfunction Affects Other Areas

Because the ribs protect organs and anchor muscles, dysfunction can cause problems elsewhere. For example:

• Arm and shoulder pain may originate from the ribs

• Thoracic outlet syndrome can occur when upper rib issues compress nerves and blood vessels, causing numbness or tingling in the arms

• Restricted rib movement may lead to shoulder injuries

• Poor chest expansion can cause breathing difficulties or increase the risk of pneumonia

Chiropractic Treatment for Rib Pain

At your first visit, your chiropractor will rule out serious health issues. Then, they’ll assess rib and spinal joint movement. Ribs normally move in two ways:

• Calliper movement (side-to-side)

• Bucket-handle movement (up-and-out)

Treatment focuses on restoring mobility, reducing pain, and relaxing muscles using:

• Chiropractic adjustments

• Manual therapies

• Safe techniques tailored for age or medical conditions

• Low-Level Laser Therapy

• TECAR Therapy (to speed healing and reduce inflammation)

These are gentle, non-invasive treatments that often bring fast relief.

Don’t Ignore Chest, Rib, or Arm Pain

If you’re experiencing pain in the chest, ribs, or arms—don’t delay a chiropractic check-up. Early treatment leads to faster recovery and prevents chronic issues from developing. We’re here to help you feel better and move better—safely and effectively.