Rib pain can be surprisingly sharp and uncomfortable, often making even simple movements like breathing, laughing, or bending forward feel difficult. It may appear suddenly after an injury, or gradually from poor posture or repetitive strain.

Because the rib cage protects vital organs such as the heart and lungs, many people naturally worry when they experience pain in this area. While some causes are harmless and musculoskeletal in nature, others can be more serious. That’s why understanding what’s happening — and seeking proper assessment — is so important.

The Role of the Rib Cage

The rib cage is more than just a frame of bones. It’s a flexible structure made up of ribs, cartilage, joints, and muscles that work together to protect your chest organs while allowing you to breathe and move freely.

Each rib attaches at the back to the thoracic spine and at the front to the sternum through cartilage. Surrounding muscles — like the intercostals, serratus anterior, and upper back stabilisers — help support these movements.

When any part of this system becomes strained, inflamed, or restricted, pain can result.

Common Musculoskeletal Causes of Rib Pain

Musculoskeletal issues are among the most frequent reasons people experience rib discomfort. These problems often arise from joint irritation, muscle strain, or postural imbalances that affect how the ribs move and connect to the spine and chest

Costovertebral or Costosternal Joint Dysfunction

Sometimes referred to as a “slipped rib”, this occurs when a rib joint becomes irritated or slightly misaligned. The pain is often sharp, localised, and can worsen with deep breathing, twisting, or pressing on the area.

Muscle Strain

The intercostal muscles between the ribs can be strained through heavy lifting, awkward twisting, or even persistent coughing. The discomfort is often sore, achy, and movement-dependent.

Costochondritis (Inflamed Cartilage)

This inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone can mimic heart pain, but it’s typically localised and tender to touch. It’s common after repetitive strain or illness that causes excessive coughing.

Thoracic Spine Dysfunction

Restricted movement in the upper back can refer pain into the ribs. People who spend long hours at desks or drive frequently are particularly prone to this type of discomfort.

Non-Musculoskeletal Causes You Shouldn’t Ignore

Not all rib pain is musculoskeletal. Some causes require urgent medical attention.

Cardiac and Pulmonary Conditions:
Heart issues, pneumonia, or pleurisy can produce rib-like or chest wall pain. These conditions are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as breathlessness, fever, or sweating.

Digestive Conditions:
Gallbladder inflammation, acid reflux, or stomach ulcers can cause referred pain under the ribs — often on the right side.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster):
Before a rash appears, sharp burning pain may develop along one side of the ribs. Early recognition and medical treatment are key.

If rib pain is accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest pressure, seek immediate medical care rather than attempting self-treatment.

How Chiropractors Assess Rib Pain

A chiropractor’s approach begins with understanding the full picture — when the pain started, what movements worsen it, and whether there was any trauma or illness beforehand.

The assessment usually includes:

Posture and mobility evaluation
Palpation of the ribs and thoracic spine
Gentle movement tests to identify restricted joints or muscle tension
Neurological checks if nerve involvement is suspected

If red flags are present — such as breathing difficulties, persistent pain, or unexplained symptoms — a chiropractor will refer for medical imaging or further investigation.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Rib Pain

When rib pain is musculoskeletal in nature, chiropractic care can be highly effective. The focus is on restoring normal movement and reducing inflammation so the rib cage can function freely again.

Gentle Rib and Thoracic Adjustments

Precise, controlled movements help realign the costovertebral and thoracic joints. Many patients notice immediate relief in mobility and breathing ease after these adjustments.

Soft Tissue Therapy

Muscles around the ribs, upper back, and chest can tighten in response to pain. Soft-tissue techniques such as trigger-point therapy or myofascial release help ease tension and support recovery.

Corrective and Breathing Exercises

Once pain is under control, exercises are introduced to strengthen supporting muscles, improve posture, and retrain breathing mechanics. This prevents the issue from returning.

Ergonomic and Lifestyle Advice

Simple changes — like adjusting workstation height, improving sleeping posture, or taking regular stretch breaks — can make a significant difference for long-term rib and spinal health.

Typical Recovery Timeline

Most mild to moderate rib strains or joint restrictions improve noticeably within a few weeks of chiropractic care and appropriate exercises. Costochondritis and chronic postural issues may take longer to resolve but typically respond well to consistent, personalised management.

Everyone heals at a different pace, but early intervention tends to produce the best outcomes.

Self-Care Tips for Rib Pain

Stay gentle with movement: Avoid sudden twists or heavy lifting.
Breathe deeply: Shallow breathing can worsen stiffness — try slow, controlled breaths.
Apply heat or ice: Use ice for recent injuries, heat for longer-term muscle tightness.
Maintain good posture: A supportive chair and upright sitting reduce thoracic strain.
Seek help early: Persistent pain or sharp discomfort with breathing should always be checked by a professional.

When to Seek Urgent Care

If rib pain comes with any of the following, it may not be musculoskeletal and needs urgent medical review:

Chest pressure or pain radiating to the arm or jaw
Shortness of breath or dizziness
Coughing up blood or mucus
Unexplained fever or fatigue

It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to chest or rib discomfort.

How Flynn Chiro Can Help

At Flynn Chiro, chiropractic care is provided with a clear focus on functional movement and spinal alignment. Patients at both Melbourne CBD and Prahran clinics receive individualised assessments to determine the root cause of their rib pain — not just temporary relief.

Treatment plans often include spinal and rib adjustments, soft-tissue release, posture correction, and exercises designed to restore balance to the thoracic region. Every approach is evidence-informed and centred on long-term health and comfort.

Final Thoughts

Rib pain can stem from something as simple as poor posture or as complex as joint inflammation or nerve irritation. While it can be worrying, the majority of rib-related pain is mechanical and responds well to skilled chiropractic care.

With the right guidance, it’s possible to breathe more freely, move with confidence, and return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.

Rib Pain: What Causes It and How a Chiropractor Can Help