Showing posts with label subluxed rib heads. Show all posts
Showing posts with label subluxed rib heads. Show all posts

What is my rib DOING?! Slipping or dislocated ribs and ehlers danlos syndrome

Update: 4/30/15
So, I went to a PT a few months back and he pointed out some general poor posture and hyperextension of the back and stomach, plus using the knees instead of core and so on. SO...he taught me how to squat (much harder than I knew, since I always did it wrong) and he taught me how to use good core posture. He also made me aware of all the wonky one leg balance and stretch motions I made throughout the day that I never noticed.  So, I started concentrating on posture and core. Good good.  He also suggested a tennis ball against the wall and just lean into it when that back rib head starts to shift. So, I have done that ... and it is working!!!
I am so happy that it has been months since my rib has flared up. I just had to share. If you are dealing with this terribly painful and frustrating issue, I advise you to check with a PT or OT to see if you need any pointers on how you hold yourself and how you do your work, in relation to using the "right" muscles. And then, get a tennis ball or a foam roller and I hope it helps you.
I was also given an exercise routine that is hard for me to do, as it flares up headaches and neck aches, but I dabble in it and I will continue to work on it, going forward.

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Ok, so I don't fret about myself and EDS (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome) because my level of hypermobility actually got better as I got older, and I feel pretty good BUT...my ribs on the back right side have been playing a fun game of shifting at the rib head off and on for a little over a year (subluxing).  It is incredibly frustrating and I don't understand what causes it.  The symptoms include feeling like I cannot catch a full breath (constant attempted yawning), and pain in an isolated area of the back (right over the rib head).  It really is such an annoyance.

I learned some stretches to help encourage the rib to go back into position, as it is not truly dislocated, just shifted slightly (sublux). This seemed to help a little in the beginning, but it got worse and over time, it would mix with neck/shoulder pain and eventually starting causing nerve problems.  I do not have time for this!  I need to be strong to help my family, so I can't be out for rib related pain issues.

I found a chiropractor who agreed to help me without doing all the snap crackle pop stuff that tends to give me migraines. So far, he has been a great help in getting those ribs aligned, but it never lasts. I have increased my stretches and I am looking forward to introducing an exercise routine to build arm, shoulder, and core strength. I also have a bit of scapula winging, and reduced muscle strength due to the pain in the shoulder area, so getting started on this strengthening program is sure to be helpful.
BUT, as many of you can relate, it is very challenging to do exercises that are new because of such easy injury. Whenever I add an exercise, I seem to be out of the game for several days with severe pain. It is ... again...annoying! I have found that I can do the elliptical machine without injury, so that is where I will start, with the stretches, and then I hope to add in weights under the instruction of the PT (to make sure I am not using wrong posture and making it worse).

So, I hope this helps, but if you have the answer to this plague, please PLEASE share. I have consulted several doctors and chiropractors, and it doesn't seem like there is an obvious fix?
Also, if anyone has tips for upper and core strengthening while using elliptical machines, I would love to hear that as well!