Understanding Rib Pain and How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Rib pain can be sharp, nagging, and downright frustrating. Whether it hits during a deep breath, when twisting your torso, or seemingly out of nowhere, rib discomfort often interferes with daily life. At Dr. Noah Banks’s chiropractic office in Bentonville, Arkansas, we frequently see patients who are surprised to learn their rib pain isn’t just something they have to "live with." In fact, chiropractic care can be an effective and natural solution for many types of rib pain.
What Causes Rib Pain?
Before diving into how chiropractic can help, it's important to understand the root causes of rib pain. Rib discomfort may stem from:
Muscle strain or overuse
Misalignment of the thoracic spine or rib joints
Costovertebral joint dysfunction (where the rib meets the spine)
Poor posture, especially from desk jobs or screen time
Injury from accidents, sports, or lifting
Respiratory issues or chronic coughing
The rib cage is more than a simple structure protecting your lungs and heart. It's a dynamic, moving part of your body, and when even one rib isn’t functioning properly, it can trigger pain that radiates around the chest, into the back, or even mimic symptoms of heart issues.
Chiropractic and Rib Pain: What the Research Says
Chiropractors are trained to evaluate the musculoskeletal system for dysfunction—including the rib cage and thoracic spine. When a rib becomes "stuck" or misaligned, it can create inflammation, muscle tension, and nerve irritation. Chiropractic adjustments can help restore motion to these joints, reducing pain and improving mobility.
A 2015 study published in the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy found that spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) applied to the thoracic spine showed significant improvement in patients with mechanical thoracic pain, which includes pain originating near or around the ribs. The study noted reduced pain levels and improved function following chiropractic care, without the use of medications or invasive procedures.
Similarly, a case report published in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies (2020) documented a patient with rib dysfunction who experienced significant relief after thoracic spine and rib-specific chiropractic adjustments. The key takeaway: in skilled hands, manual therapy can be an effective, evidence-based approach to rib-related pain.
How Dr. Noah Banks Approaches Rib Pain
At our Bentonville chiropractic office, Dr. Noah Banks takes a comprehensive and personalized approach. Rib pain can sometimes be tricky to diagnose, so our process begins with a thorough consultation, physical examination, and—if needed—imaging to rule out other conditions such as fractures, infections, or organ-related issues.
Once a musculoskeletal cause is confirmed, we may use a combination of:
Gentle thoracic spinal adjustments to improve alignment
Rib mobilization techniques to restore joint motion
Soft tissue therapy or myofascial release for muscle tightness around the ribs
Postural assessments and ergonomic advice for long-term prevention
Rehabilitation exercises to strengthen supportive muscles and prevent recurrence
The goal is always to reduce pain, restore function, and empower our patients with tools to stay pain-free.
Common Rib-Related Issues We Treat
Here are a few examples of rib-related complaints that chiropractic care may help with:
“Popping” or sharp pain near the shoulder blade or spine
Discomfort when taking a deep breath
Pain when turning over in bed or twisting the torso
Chest tightness that’s been ruled out as cardiac-related
Rib pain following sports injuries or repetitive motion
In many of these cases, patients report significant improvement in just a few visits.
Why Choose Chiropractic First?
Many patients with rib pain are initially unsure where to turn. Some may see a primary care doctor and leave with muscle relaxers or painkillers, while others might worry their symptoms are heart-related. While it's important to rule out serious causes (especially cardiac or pulmonary), if your doctor has done that and the pain persists, chiropractic care could be a natural next step.
Unlike medications that only mask the pain, chiropractic aims to fix the root cause by improving joint mechanics and reducing nerve interference. Plus, chiropractic is non-invasive and drug-free, making it a safe option for many patients.
Get Relief from Rib Pain in Bentonville, AR
If you're dealing with rib pain that hasn’t gone away on its own, or if you’re tired of temporary solutions, Dr. Noah Banks and his team in Bentonville are here to help. We understand how disruptive this kind of pain can be, and we’re committed to helping you move and breathe with ease again.
Book your consultation today to find out how chiropractic care can make a real difference in your daily life. We proudly serve patients throughout Bentonville, Rogers, Bella Vista, and the greater Northwest Arkansas area.
