Expert: Gerald Anzalone, D.C. - 4/24/2009

Question
I have experienced a slipped rib problem for over 5 years now and have received chiropractic adjustments which bring the most relieve but, the #7 rib will not stay in place.  I have undergone many prolotherapy treatments which have not relieved the pain as well.  The intercostal nerve is chronic and the pain radiates from the spine around to the chest and now collateral nerves passing to my right arm are affected.  It seems I have tried all methods to keep the rib from slipping out of place.  Dr. Leatherman mentioned there has been some success with surgery.  Who performs this type of surgery because I have exhausted searching for a medical field that knows much of anything about slipped ribs?  It seems that all the knowledge is only found in the chiropractic field.

Answer
Doug,

Should a rib need to be removed surgically, a cardiothoracic surgeon would probably be the surgeon to do so.

However, a chronically displaced rib is most likely the result of a muscular imbalance. A physical therapist or a sports chiropractor would probably be the best specialist to consult for evaluation and effective management of this problem.

Also, the long thoracic nerve does not supply the arms, so arm symptoms are likely being caused by something else.

I hope that this helps to answer your question.