OpenHealth Q&A

Experiencing Ribs Flipping Inward: A Frustrating Situation

A 20-year-old individual, weighing approximately 95 pounds and standing at 5 feet tall, is facing a challenging issue related to their ribcage. Currently taking medications like Lamictal, Xanax, and Simpesse, they reported a significant event over a month ago that altered their rib positioning. While attempting to interact with a bunny, they leaned over a fence that was slightly taller than they could manage. During this movement, they felt an unusual sensation as their ribs seemingly flipped inward. Since then, the individual has experienced a sense of immobility in their ribcage, which now maintains a compressed angle unlike before, affecting the appearance of their abdomen. Previously, they were accustomed to a noticeable rib flare below the breasts, but now, the ribs appear broad and painful, especially around the sternum and near the xiphoid process. The area beneath the coastal cartilage feels misaligned, and the core muscles no longer engage properly, exacerbating the discomfort. Currently enrolled in pelvic floor physical therapy and general physical therapy for unrelated but possibly interconnected issues, the individual began this therapeutic journey in April 2024. They have attended the pelvic floor therapy for about a month and have seen the general therapist twice to address upper body concerns, as well as issues with their ankles and feet. During a recent session, the pelvic floor therapist utilized cupping techniques on the abdomen and observed significant tightness in the upper rib region. She took manual measurements of the ribcage, confirming its unusual broadness, which the individual has also been aware of. They expressed confusion over why their ribs are stuck in this flattened and spread-out position, resulting in an inability to move their chest muscles as they used to. Another troubling symptom emerged after the incident; the individual now experiences a ballooning sensation in the pelvic area during coughing spells, occasionally worsening based on the stiffness felt in their spine's connection to the compressed ribs at that level. The persistent nature of this situation is distressing, as they struggle with a physical limitation while performing movements that were once natural. In this perplexing predicament, the individual feels overwhelmed and uncertain about the pathway to recovery. They maintain consistency with prescribed exercises but grapple with the lack of clarity surrounding their situation, particularly with this unexpected rib issue. They reminisce about similar occurrences during their childhood when the ribs would revert back within days; however, that has not been the case this time. The individual is seeking insight into the nature of this issue. What could be causing these symptoms? Why won’t the ribs return to their original position? They wonder if there are specific exercises that might help. Unfortunately, feedback from their upper body physical therapist has not been supportive, as they have redirected the individual back to the pelvic floor therapist, who is already managing multiple muscle groups. Compounding this frustrating experience is their pre-existing hypermobility, which has resulted in a decrease in their expected range of motion since the onset of chronic spinal pain in April 2024. With multiple health concerns overlapping, they find it overwhelming not to have clear answers or solutions. As it stands, the individual continues to seek help, particularly regarding the unusual rib flare below their breasts, which remains impacted in the coastal cartilage area. Their lower ribcage's broadness, especially around the solar plexus, indicates a deviation from the norm that continues to perplex and distress them.

Answers (1)

6/27/2025, 3:01:43 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're dealing with a complex and frustrating situation involving your ribcage and related physical difficulties. The symptoms you describe, such as the inward flipping of your ribs, the change in rib positioning, and the discomfort you’re feeling, could be related to several factors, including muscular imbalances, rib dysfunction, or issues with connective tissue, particularly given your history of hypermobility.

Explanation:

When you experienced the incident leaning over the fence, it may have caused strain or irritation to the muscles and ligaments around your ribcage. This can lead to changes in the way your ribs move or align, which might explain the sensation of immobility and unusual broadness. Your hypermobility may also complicate recovery, as it can create challenges in maintaining stability and alignment in your ribcage and spine.

The ballooning sensation in the pelvic area during coughing could be related to intra-abdominal pressure changes due to stiffness in your spine or altered rib movement, which could affect how your core and pelvic floor function together.

Next Steps:

1. Continuing Therapy: Stay committed to your pelvic floor and general physical therapy. Communicate your concerns about the ribcage and any discomfort you’re experiencing. It might be helpful to ask if your therapists can collaborate on your care management for a more integrated approach.

2. Breathing Exercises: Focus on breathing exercises that encourage proper rib movement. Diaphragmatic breathing can help improve ribcage mobility. Try inhaling deeply through your nose, allowing your abdomen to expand while keeping your shoulders relaxed, then exhale slowly through your mouth.

3. Gentle Stretching: Incorporate gentle stretches targeting your thoracic spine and intercostal muscles. For example, you could gently twist your torso while seated or stand and reach your arms overhead, leaning side to side to stretch your ribs.

4. Postural Awareness: Pay attention to your posture throughout the day. Ensure you are sitting and standing with your spine aligned, which can help reduce tension in your ribcage and improve comfort.

5. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a log of your symptoms, noting any changes with specific movements or exercises. This can provide insight into what may be exacerbating or relieving symptoms. It’s important to share this information with your therapists.

6. Reevaluate with Health Professionals: If you continue to feel overwhelmed and without clear solutions, consider seeking a second opinion from a specialist in musculoskeletal or rib-related issues, such as an orthopedic doctor or a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist.

Remember, recovery can take time, especially with the complexities of your conditions. It’s okay to seek support and continue to ask questions until you find a pathway that feels manageable and conducive to your healing. You’re doing many things right by engaging in therapy and seeking help, and I encourage you to keep advocating for your well-being.