Expert: Khumar Huse - 12/28/2006

Question
I have been having a lot of pain from one of my ribs. My doctor suggested I may have a dislocated rib, she doesn't really know, but I had an xray and it appeared normal. I have a lot of back pain in one spot, it's just off my spine, at the base of what I think is my eleventh rib. But, the rib above that one seems like the one that is out of place. It hurts to lean back while driving, or to sit on the couch, or my desk chair. It seems like the rib is almost loose like. When I lean back and put pressure on that spot, it's like it pushes it in, and then I feel pain at the front of my tenth rib. It's like it is pushing it forward because it's loose. Does that make any sense? I've had this pain for about a year now. My doctor said that the cartilage that is supposed to be on the very front of my tenth rib has been broken off, which is why it points outward a little bit. I've been to a chiropractor, but it didn't help. What can be done about a dislocated rib? Am I destined to be with this pain forever? It gets excruciating at times... Is there a test, like a CAT scan that could see a dislocation? Thankyou.

Answer
hi Kim,

you are right, any kind of rib pain can be very excruciating. as for the dislocated rib, it is extremely difficult to dislocate it, given the type of joint there. as for the broken cartilage, well, have  you had any trauma? do you play any sports where you might have got hurt at that spot? if it is indeed a broken cartilage then physiotherapy is the option (chiropractor and physiotherapist). but if this doesnt help, then an MRI of your chest can be done to look at cartilages and soft tissues and to figure out the diagnosis. rib pain is usuallly long-term and fades away more slowly. i would say get physio, take painkillers and sometimes local nerve blocks may help as well (blocking the nerve below the rib). if this doesnt help, then get a CT or MRI. Gud luk to you!