As the name rightly suggests, slipping rib syndrome is a condition that is associated with the ribs. This article provides a brief overview about the various aspects of this condition.

Slipping rib syndrome is a medical condition that can cause symptoms that mimic various other diseases. It is also one of the most commonly misdiagnosed conditions. While some health experts associate slipping rib syndrome with costochondritis and Tietze's syndrome, others use it as a synonym for Tietze's syndrome. However, it is also said that all the three conditions are different.

What is Slipping Rib Syndrome?

We all know that the human body has ribs that connect to the vertebrae on the posterior side, and to the breastbone anteriorly. These bones are attached to the breastbone or sternum, with the help of costal cartilage that plays a vital role in the movements of the ribs, and the movements of the thoracic walls, during breathing. The ribs one to seven (true ribs) are attached to the sternum directly. The lower ones (8, 9, and 10) connect to each other anteriorly with the help of fibrous tissues; and so, they are called false ribs. In other words, true ribs are directly attached to the sternum, whereas each false rib is attached to the costal cartilage of the rib located above it.

Due to this mechanism, false ribs are more prone to get weak and loose. In such cases, the affected rib slips out of place (moves up in most cases), causing irritation to the intercostal nerve. This may also strain the lower costal cartilage and the intercostal muscles. This leads to inflammation of the area. This condition is referred to as slipping rib syndrome.

Causes and Symptoms

The most common cause for slipping rib syndrome is trauma or injury. It could be a sudden and blunt trauma that impacts the chest. This can be caused by a fall or a vehicle accident. However, the strain caused by repeated cough, vomiting, strained or heavy breathing, and sneezing, may also cause this syndrome. Even a surgery or radiation therapy of the chest may lead to this condition. In some cases, back injuries are also found to cause slipping rib syndrome.

As mentioned above, slipping rib syndrome is characterized by inflammation of the costal cartilage and the nearby areas. The symptoms include severe chest pain, that may radiate to the upper back. Some people may also experience shortness of breath, along with chest or rib pain. Even abdominal pain may develop in some cases. The condition can be diagnosed during physical examination, as the area shows significant inflammation and tenderness. The patient may reproduce pain, when pressed over the lower ribs. However, slipping rib syndrome may mimic other health problems, like heart attacks. So, the doctor must rule out the possibility of such conditions, before zeroing in on slipping rib syndrome.

How is it Treated

The condition may cause mild to severe symptoms. Those with mild symptoms are often advised to take complete rest for a certain period, followed by flexibility training and core stability work. In case of intermittent or persistent symptoms, corticosteroid injections may be prescribed. However, severe cases are treated with surgery, in which the anterior part of the ribs are removed. Prolotherapy is said to be a natural treatment method for relief from slipping rib syndrome, as it is claimed to repair weakness of the tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Even chiropractic exercises may prove beneficial for relief from the condition. As of now, surgery is said to be the only cure.

In short, slipping rib syndrome is said to be an uncommon condition. Right diagnosis is very important in this case, for ruling out the possibility of other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.