Chiropractic for Rib Pain and Breathing Restriction: Unlocking Your Upper Body
Have you ever taken a deep breath and felt a sharp pain in your ribs or back? Or experienced a sensation like something is “stuck” under your shoulder blade?
This type of discomfort is often caused by rib misalignment or thoracic spine restriction — and it’s something chiropractic care can help resolve quickly and naturally.
🫁 Why Rib Pain Happens
Your ribcage isn’t just a protective shell — it’s a flexible, dynamic system that moves every time you breathe. Each rib connects to the spine in the back and the sternum in the front, forming joints that can become misaligned or restricted, especially under stress or poor posture.
Common causes of rib and upper back pain include:
Poor posture (especially from desk work or driving)
Sudden twisting or reaching motions
Chronic coughing or respiratory illness
Physical trauma or overuse
Stress-related muscle tension
Symptoms can range from a sharp pain when breathing to a deep, dull ache between the shoulder blades — often mistaken for heart or lung issues.
🔍 How Chiropractors Assess Rib and Upper Back Pain
Chiropractors are trained to assess rib joint function alongside spinal alignment and muscular balance.
Your evaluation may include:
Palpation of the ribs and thoracic spine to detect joint restrictions
Breathing tests to observe movement limitations
Postural analysis
Range of motion testing in the spine, shoulders, and ribcage
Muscle tension and imbalance assessment
We look for the why behind the pain — whether it’s a stiff joint, a misaligned rib head, or poor mechanics during movement.
✅ Chiropractic Treatment for Rib and Breathing Issues
Chiropractic care can restore motion and relieve pressure in the ribcage — often providing immediate relief.
Treatment may include:
Thoracic spinal adjustments to improve joint function
Rib adjustments to correct misalignment
Soft tissue therapy for intercostal muscles (between the ribs)
Postural correction exercises
Breathing drills to retrain diaphragm and rib movement
These techniques not only ease pain but help restore full, easy breathing — which reduces stress and improves energy.
🌟 Breathe Easy Again
Rib pain can be alarming and exhausting — especially when it affects your ability to breathe deeply, sleep, or move freely. Chiropractic care addresses the root of the issue, helping you feel stronger and more open with every breath.
If your ribs feel “stuck” or your upper back is aching, don’t wait. Relief could be just one adjustment away.
