The MSK Studio - spinal physiotherapy and Clinical Pilates clinic in Adelaide

Rib Pain

Region affected

Thoracic spine / Costovertebral joints

Common in

Adults 25 - 60

Onset

Acute or gradual

Related conditions

Thoracic Pain, Back Pain, Facet Joint Syndrome

Rib pain is a condition that is commonly underdiagnosed and undertreated, often because the ribs are not immediately considered as a pain source in people presenting with upper or mid-back symptoms. At The MSK Studio in Adelaide, rib pain is a condition we assess and treat regularly as part of our thoracic spine focus.

Each rib articulates with the thoracic spine at two joints; the costovertebral joint (where the rib head meets the vertebral body) and the costotransverse joint (where the rib neck meets the transverse process). These joints can become restricted, inflamed or dysfunctional in the same way as other spinal joints, producing localised pain that may radiate along the rib or into the chest wall. True rib fractures, from trauma or stress, also fall within our management scope and require appropriate assessment and load management.

What Causes Rib Pain?

Signs and Symptoms

Rib pain can arise from several different mechanisms:

Rib pain often has a distinctive pattern that helps distinguish it from other thoracic conditions:

  • Costovertebral or costotransverse joint dysfunction, often from a sudden awkward movement or sustained posture
  • Rib fracture from trauma such as a fall, motor vehicle accident or direct impact
  • Stress fracture from repetitive loading, particularly in rowers, golfers or people with osteoporosis
  • Thoracic spine stiffness placing increased stress on the rib joints
  • Postural loading from prolonged sitting or overhead work
  • Sharp or aching pain in the mid or upper back, close to the spine
  • Pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing or sneezing
  • Pain that increases with certain arm or trunk movements
  • Tenderness directly over the rib or at its junction with the spine
  • Pain that wraps around the ribcage or into the chest wall
  • Restricted thoracic rotation on the affected side

What Causes Rib Pain?

Rib pain can arise from several different mechanisms:

  • Costovertebral or costotransverse joint dysfunction, often from a sudden awkward movement or sustained posture
  • Rib fracture from trauma such as a fall, motor vehicle accident or direct impact
  • Stress fracture from repetitive loading, particularly in rowers, golfers or people with osteoporosis
  • Thoracic spine stiffness placing increased stress on the rib joints
  • Postural loading from prolonged sitting or overhead work

Signs and Symptoms

Rib pain often has a distinctive pattern that helps distinguish it from other thoracic conditions:

  • Sharp or aching pain in the mid or upper back, close to the spine
  • Pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing or sneezing
  • Pain that increases with certain arm or trunk movements
  • Tenderness directly over the rib or at its junction with the spine
  • Pain that wraps around the ribcage or into the chest wall
  • Restricted thoracic rotation on the affected side

How The MSK Studio Treats
Rib Pain

At The MSK Studio in Adelaide, rib pain is assessed with specific provocation testing to identify the affected rib and joint. Costovertebral joint mobilisation is highly effective for dysfunction at these joints, often producing rapid improvement in both pain and breathing comfort. Where rib fracture is suspected, appropriate imaging is arranged and management focuses on pain relief and safe load management during healing.

See our back pain physiotherapy service below:

Back Pain Physiotherapy

Related Conditions

Thoracic & Upper Back Pain

Facet Joint Syndrome

Degenerative Disc Disease

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