Slipping rib syndrome is a rare disorder that is known by many other names, including floating rib syndrome, lost rib syndrome, costal chondritis or costochondritis, and Tietze syndrome (for the German surgeon who discovered it). Costal chondritis, costochondritis and Tietze syndrome are sometimes used interchangeably and characterized by inflammation of the part of the rib that is cartilage.Though its various names appear to have nothing to do with the spine, slipping rib syndrome can cause severe back pain in your thoracic spine—or your middle back when one of your ribs shifts out of normal position. In some patients, chest wall pain is the foremost symptom. This article provides you with the basics about back pain potentially caused by slipped rib syndrome, including symptoms and when you should call your doctor.Key anatomical structures of the human body’s rib cage related to slipped rib are illustrated. Photo Source: 123RF.com. Slipping Rib Syndrome’s Connection to the Thoracic Spine and PainTo better understand slipping rib syndrome and how it may develop, a quick review of the related anatomy is needed.

If you're hearing a snapping or popping sound when you stretch your rib cage, it is most likely your breast bone or sternum popping. Your first seven ribs are connected to your sternum and held in place by ligaments and cushioned by cartilage, all of which move together when you stretch.

First, you have 12 sets of ribs; one set on each side of your body. Starting at the top, the first set of ribs attach to the first thoracic vertebra (T1), and the remaining ribs make attachments down to T11. Costovertebral ligaments attach the ribs to the thoracic vertebrae. The first 7 rib sets are connected to the thoracic vertebrae in your back and the sternum (breastbone). In the front of the rib cage and between the ribs are costochondral joints and costal cartilage. These ribs are referred to as true ribs. The cartilage is elastic and allows for expansion of the rib cage such as when taking a deep breath.The remaining 5 ribs are false ribs.

This refers to the fact that ribs 8-10 are not connected to the sternum but by a fibrocartilaginous band from the rib above. The last 2 ribs have no connection at the front of the body and are sometimes called floating ribs.

That’s why these lower ribs are most often involved in slipping rib syndrome.Another anatomical feature involves the thoracic, of which there are 24 (12 on either side at the back of each thoracic vertebrae). When a rib slips at T10 or T11, there is an opportunity for facet joint involvement that can cause considerable pain. Slipping Rib Syndrome Causes and Risk FactorsIn some people, there is an inherited risk for slipping rib syndrome.

However, it’s more often caused by an injury. Traumatic injury to your rib cage, such as from physical violence—a fall, or auto accident—may result in the condition. As such, engaging in contact sports is a risk factor.Slipping rib syndrome may also be caused by chest problems and illnesses, including asthma, bronchitis, or a severe, long-lasting cough. While slipping rib syndrome is associated with several causes, there may be no obvious cause for why it occurred. Symptoms of Slipping Rib SyndromeOne slipping rib syndrome symptom is back pain. 1 Symptoms occur when the abnormal rib movement irritates surrounding nerves and muscles, triggering inflammation and pain.In addition to back pain, people with slipping rib syndrome also report:. Abdominal pain that is intense initially, but eventually subsides to an ache.

A “popping' or 'clicking' sensation in the rib cage area. Difficulty breathing or coughing. Pain with certain activities that move the rib cage, such as bendingWhen to See Your DoctorSome slipping rib syndrome symptoms are not only painful, but they can be life threatening. Seek immediate medical care if you have difficulty breathing or experience chest pain, as this may indicate a serious medical emergency.If your pain shows no signs of subsiding and/or if symptoms are interfering with your ability to perform daily tasks, see your doctor as soon as you can. Getting a proper diagnosis will put you on the right treatment path to help relieve your pain. How Slipping Rib Syndrome Is DiagnosedSlipping rib syndrome’s symptoms mimic those of other conditions, so it can be a challenge to diagnose properly.

Your spine specialist or personal doctor will begin the diagnostic process by asking you about your symptoms—how long you’ve had them, and what worsens or eases them. Your evaluation also involves a careful review of your medical history.Your doctor will conduct a physical exam, which can reveal if a rib is not properly positioned with your other ribs. If your doctor finds a rib out of alignment, he or she may perform the “hooking” or “hook” maneuver. With this maneuver, the doctor gently moves the misaligned rib to determine if it causes pain, and if it makes a clicking sound.While your doctor may order imaging tests (such as an ) to rule out other conditions, the hooking maneuver may be enough to confirm a slipping rib syndrome diagnosis. NonSurgical Treatments for Slipping Rib SyndromeIf your slipping rib syndrome is considered mild or moderate, conservative treatment is usually enough to relieve pain. What is slipping rib syndrome?

Medical News Today. How to install subversion 1.7 client and subclipse for mac. Last reviewed December 24, 2017.

Last accessed January 9, 2020.SourcesGray H. Gray’s Anatomy. Pick TP, Howden R eds. Barnes & Noble Books, Inc., New York, NY.van Delft EA, van Pul KM, Bloemers W. The slipping rib syndrome: A case report. International Journal of Surgery Case Reports.

Last accessed January 9, 2020.Knaap S. Tietze Syndrome. National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). Last accessed January 9, 2020.

The ribcage supports the upper body, protects internal organs, including the heart and lungs, and assists with breathing. Rib injuries include bruises, torn cartilage and bone fractures. Chest trauma may also cause life-threatening injuries such as a punctured lung or a ruptured aorta.Common causes of rib injury include motor vehicle accidents and falls. Treatment aims to relieve pain while the injury heals.Structure of the ribsThe ribcage consists of 24 curved ribs arranged in 12 pairs. Each pair is attached to a vertebra in the spine. At the front of the body, the first seven pairs of ribs are attached directly to the sternum (breastbone) by cartilage known as costal cartilage. These ribs are often called ‘true ribs’.The next three pairs of ribs aren’t connected to the sternum.

Instead, costal cartilage attaches these ‘false ribs’ to the last pair of true ribs. The remaining two pairs aren’t attached at the front of the body at all and are known as ‘floating ribs’.The ribcage is supported by ligaments and muscles, including the muscles between the ribs (intercostal muscles). Last updated:June 2011Page content currently being reviewed.Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.

The State of Victoria and the Department of Health & Human Services shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.