- 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 during 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 breastbone (sternum). Along the back of the body they are connected to the spinal column through joints. These joints are called the costovertebral and the costotransverse joints.
Description of 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 simply as pain in the back caused by a problem with the rib joints.
Cause and history
Complaints in the rib joints arise from insufficient or incorrect movement. The complaints may arise acutely, but often this happens gradually. Some causes are:
- Standing or sitting in a wrong posture for too long.
- Activities involving frequent twisting of the upper body.
- An accident or fall.
- Strong pushing or pulling combined with a rotation 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 may radiate forward 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 forward 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 symptoms. This is followed by a physical examination. It is painful when the healthcare professional applies pressure to the rib joints, and turning and stretching the upper back causes recognizable symptoms. Sometimes stretching is no longer possible at all.
Treatment and recovery
Often, the complaints disappear by themselves. But if a prolonged incorrect posture is the cause of the complaints, then the complaints may persist longer. To get rid of the complaints, the posture must be improved and varied more.
A physiotherapist helps to restore the mobility of the back with mobilizing techniques and exercises. He also provides advice on posture.
Exercises
Take a look at the exercise program with exercises for dysfunction of the rib joints 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 locality.
References
Fruth, S.J. (2006) Differential diagnosis and treatment in a patient with posterior upper thoracic pain Phys Ther. 2006; 86:254-268.
