- Conditions
- Dysfunction of the rib joints on the back
Dysfunction of the rib joints on the back Costovertebral pain / costotransverse pain
Introduction
Pain in the upper back can have various causes. Sometimes it is a problem with the ribs that are attached to the spinal column along the back. This causes symptoms with various movements of the upper back and chest.
The ribs (costae) together form the chest or rib cage. Along the front of the body they are connected to the breast bone (sternum). Along the back of the body they are connected to the spinal column by means of joints. These joints are called the costovertebral and the costotransverse joints.
Description of the condition
If a costovertebral and/or costotransverse joint is affected, we refer to this as costovertebral and/or costotransverse pain. This can be explained more effectively as pain in the back caused by a problem with the rib joints.
Cause and origin
Rib joint complaints arise from too little or incorrect movement. The complaints may appear suddenly, but often develop gradually. Some causes include:
- Standing or sitting in a poor posture for too long.
- Activities that involve frequent twisting of the upper body.
- An accident or fall.
- Forceful pushing or pulling combined with twisting of the upper back.
- Hypermobility of the joints.
- Illness with a lot of coughing or sneezing (cold, pneumonia etc.).
Signs & symptoms
- Pain along the back of the (upper) back.
- The pain can radiate forwards or sideways over the ribs.
- Usually the symptoms are located on one side of the back, unless the rib joints on both sides are affected.
- Pain when bending forwards or sideways with the upper back/chest.
- Pain when rotating the upper back/chest.
- Pressing on the rib (joint) makes the symptoms worse.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made based on an interview with a healthcare professional about the complaints, followed by a physical examination. External pressure on the rib joints is painful, and rotating and extending the upper back produces recognizable complaints. Sometimes extension isn't possible at all.
Treatment and recovery
Often, the complaints disappear on their own. But if a prolonged poor posture is the cause, the complaints may persist longer. To get rid of the complaints, the posture should be improved and varied more.
A physiotherapist helps restore the mobility of the back with mobilizing techniques and exercises. They also provide advice on posture.
Exercises
Here you can view the exercise programme with exercises for rib joint dysfunction at the back.
More info
You can check your symptoms using the online physiotherapy check or make an appointment with a physiotherapy practice in your area.
References
Fruth, S.J. (2006) Differential diagnosis and treatment in a patient with posterior upper thoracic pain Phys Ther. 2006; 86:254-268.
