Chiropractic Care in Baltimore for Rib Pain
Doctors of Chiropractic in Baltimore tend to focus on the spine as an area of concern because so many human ailments originate from this vital area. However, the ribs form joints with the spinal vertebrae and are therefore a crucial body component that demands attention.
The twelve pairs of ribs of the human body are an important aspect of posture because so many of the muscles dictating spinal and postural movements attach to them. Each of these pairs of ribs attach to one of the twelve thoracic vertebrae.
To make this relationship between the ribs and the human supportive structures more critical, the top seven pairs of ribs not only attach to the thoracic vertebrae on the back but also attach to the sternum (breast bone) on the front of the chest. Each of the ribs must be moving freely with each breath otherwise dysfunction, pain, and disability can occur.
But what type of pain may be expected when ribs subluxate (i.e.: get "stuck out of place") and where will that pain be located? Perry Hall Chiropractic & Physical Therapy in Baltimore explains.
Pain may manifest at the site of the subluxation near the thoracic area of the spine, at the rib attachment area on the sternum, or it may radiate around the side of the rib cage along the track of the subluxated rib. The pain can range from mildly annoying to severe enough that a person may suspect they are suffering a heart attack.
If pain "like a knife going through" is accompanied by difficulty taking a breath go immediately to the nearest emergency room. If the hospital personnel determine you are not suffering a heart attack then you can proceed to the office of your local Doctor of Chiropractic in Baltimore to have your ribs checked.
Always err on the side of caution because a heart attack can kill you so it must be ruled out as a first step in the treatment process. Often, hospital personnel make a diagnosis of "gastric reflux" or "heartburn" when chest pain cannot be attributed to heart involvement.
The first rib can be particularly troublesome because it can result in pain or tingling radiating to the arm and hand. After correction by your local Doctor of Chiropractic at Perry Hall Chiropractic & Physical Therapy you may notice that you breathe more easily, have reduced pain in the area, and have an overall improvement in posture.
