Rib pain that hurts during a twist, cough, or awkward movement might be more than just a sore muscle, it could be a rib sprain. While less talked about than fractures, rib sprains can be painful and limiting.
At Canterbury Health Hub, we often see rib sprains affecting the ligaments and joints where the ribs meet the spine or sternum. Here’s what to know and how we can help.
What Is a Rib Sprain?
A rib sprain happens when ligaments and/or the joint capsule around the rib joints are overstretched, often due to twisting, lifting, falls, persistent coughing, or even sustained postures. The pain is usually sharp, and worsens with movement or deep breathing.
Common Symptoms
- Pain with breathing, coughing, or twisting
- Tenderness around the ribs
- Muscle tightness or spasms
- Restricted upper body movement
It’s important to distinguish this from more serious conditions like fractures or cardiac issues, so if you're unsure, seek professional advice.
What You Can Do
1. Rest + Gentle Movement
- Avoid aggravating activities but stay lightly active to prevent stiffness.
2. Heat
- Heat will help relax muscle spasms.
3. Support Your Breathing
- Use a pillow to brace your ribs when coughing or sneezing. Keep breathing deeply for both pain management and relaxation.
4. Pain Relief
- Check with your GP or pharmacist first if you are unsure.
How We Can Help
Osteopathy can support recovery through:
- Gentle rib and spinal mobilisation to increase movement
- Soft tissue therapy to ease muscle tension and spasms
- Breathing and movement advice
- Postural and ergonomic guidance
A rib sprain may not always be dramatic, but it can seriously impact your comfort and mobility. With early care and osteopathic treatment, most people recover well within a few weeks.
If you're dealing with rib pain and want to get to the bottom of it, Canterbury Health Hub is here to help. Book an appointment or reach out with any questions, we’ll work with you to get you breathing, moving, and living more comfortably again.