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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Related Questions
Persistent Pain in Right Shoulder and Arm After Lifting
Hello, everyone! I’m a 23-year-old male and have been engaged in weightlifting for several years now. Recently, I’ve been struggling with ongoing discomfort in my right shoulder and arm, which I haven’t been able to accurately identify. The pain manifests during particular movements, especially with lateral raises or when my arm is raised to shoulder level while rotating my wrist. Certain pressing and pulling activities can also provoke this discomfort. Rather than feeling sharp, it’s a deep, nagging sensation that sometimes seems localized in the front area of the shoulder or at the biceps tendon, and at other times it feels more like it’s situated between the shoulder and upper arm. Fortunately, there’s no numbness or tingling involved. This issue began while I was working out. I decided to take a break for around two months, but when I returned, the pain persisted. After consulting a physician, I was diagnosed with bicipital tendinitis. Since then, I’ve reduced my upper-body workouts, completely steering clear of shoulder exercises and heavy lifting, and have begun a gentle rehabilitation regimen focusing on external rotations, pendulum movements, and scapular exercises. Despite adhering to this routine for about a week, I haven’t experienced any noticeable improvement. Is it typical for this type of tendon injury to require an extended period for recovery? At what point should I consider diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI? Additionally, are there frequent rehabilitation errors that might impede the healing process? I appreciate your insights in advance!
Understanding EEG Results for My 22-Month-Old Son: Insights Needed
Could someone help clarify this for me? My son, who is just 22 months old, hasn’t started walking yet, becomes tired easily, and has been experiencing behavioral outbursts. He had a febrile seizure in February 2025, followed by another unexplained seizure in April 2025, which led us to consult a neurologist. Since he was 3 months old, he has been receiving therapy from a physical therapist for torticollis. At birth, he spent five days in the NICU due to issues with meconium aspiration. A recent MRI showed normal results, and he also had a follow-up EEG after one conducted in July 2025. The results from this recent EEG were abnormal for a pediatric patient in awake, drowsy, and sleeping states. Notably, there were brief episodes of left frontotemporal delta slowing, which occurred mainly when he was awake and drowsy. There were no signs of epileptiform activity detected. In contrast, the EEG performed back on July 3, 2025, was deemed normal for both awake and drowsy states, again with no evidence of epileptiform irregularities, although it did not capture any sleep data. This examination was prompted by the child's existing history of febrile seizures. Importantly, he is not currently on any anti-seizure medications. The EEG procedure used standard electrode placements per the 10-20 system, conducted a single-lead EKG, and included continuous video monitoring. During the analysis, the background activity was symmetric, indicating some anterior-posterior (AP) organization, with a dominant rhythm of 50-80 microvolts at 7 Hz. His drowsy state was marked by a reduced amount of eye blink activity, less breathing motion interference, and a generalized slowing in theta/delta frequencies. Stage II sleep exhibited spindles and vertex waves patterns. Additionally, there were intermittent bursts of 250-300 microvolts in the left frontotemporal region with semi-rhythmic activity of 2-4 Hz, mostly observed during wakefulness and drowsiness. No definitive epileptiform discharge was noted. Photic stimulation during the test did not elicit a strong response, and hyperventilation was not conducted during this session.
INTENSE Spine Discomfort, Breathing Difficulties, Muscle Twitches, and Sweating
To elaborate on the situation mentioned in the title, I’ve been experiencing unusual muscle twitches and spasms for the past few days, along with some discomfort in my back. However, today, I felt an unexpected sharp pain shoot through my spine, which has left my legs feeling numb and made it impossible for me to sit up straight. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with cold sweats for the last hour and struggling to breathe properly. Perhaps I’m just overanalyzing things and it’s a common occurrence, but the intensity of the pain is overwhelming—it's truly unbearable. I’m shaking quite a bit, and unfortunately, my parents aren’t responding to my attempts to reach them for help. I have a history of a chronic heart condition and arthritis, yet I’ve never experienced pain this severe, especially in my spine. For context, I am nearly 15 years old and female. My current medications include pain relievers, anxiety medication, beta blockers, and some vitamins, though those specifics may not be particularly relevant. I don’t smoke; however, I have tried vaping a few times, which might not matter much, but I thought it was worth mentioning as it was requested.
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation and Thyroid Issues: Variability in Cardioversion Decisions
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out for guidance regarding my mother’s current health situation, and I’d greatly appreciate any shared experiences or thoughts. **My mother's background:** - **Age**: 55 years - **Weight**: Recently dropped to 116 kg from 118 kg in just two days, likely due to diuretics. - **Health history**: Previously an underactive thyroid, undiagnosed and untreated, now presenting as overactive. - **Medications**: Currently taking thyroid medication and a beta-blocker (Rapiblock). **Current health status:** My mother has been hospitalized since Tuesday, experiencing **atrial fibrillation with heart rates exceeding 200** beats per minute due to her thyroid's hyperactivity. - The plan for cardioversion was initially settled on Tuesday. However, the following day, the medical team advised postponing it until her thyroid levels could be stabilized, believing that her heart rate would return to normal once her thyroid condition was managed. - Her **obesity** precludes her from undergoing a transthoracic echocardiogram, and due to her thyroid concerns, she cannot handle contrast dye (this has been a consistent issue for over four years). Therefore, the only feasible option was a **transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)**, which has yet to be performed. - She has been prescribed various medications including beta-blockers and thyroid treatments in the past. - On Friday, a doctor proposed proceeding with cardioversion; however, the attending senior physician objected. - Today (Saturday), another clinician has expressed a desire to move forward with cardioversion, having initiated a new medication, as the senior physician is unavailable. - **Communication has been unclear**, as we were notified of developments by a nurse rather than the physician in charge, causing confusion and anxiety. - Currently, only a **chest X-ray** is scheduled, and the TEE remains unaddressed. **My inquiries are as follows:** 1. Is it common for medical professionals to have varying opinions and frequently revise medication or treatment plans like cardioversion? 2. Is it safe to conduct cardioversion in the absence of a TEE? I presumed that this was a standard procedure to exclude the presence of blood clots. 3. Is it usual practice to have only a chest X-ray prior to moving ahead with cardioversion? 4. How typical is it for patients or their families to not be directly informed about treatment changes and learn about them through nursing staff instead? I recognize that this cannot substitute for professional medical advice. I’m simply trying to discern whether these circumstances are typical or if we should express our concerns more assertively with the healthcare facility. Thank you for your insights!
28-Year-Old Male Experiencing Scalp Sensations Post-Amitriptyline Treatment
I am a 28-year-old man in generally good health, without any cardiac concerns. Approximately a month ago, I encountered intense pain localized to one side of my head, which was unresponsive to paracetamol. However, a single dose of a migraine treatment provided substantial relief. Following that, I began a regimen of amitriptyline, starting at a nightly dose of 10 to 25 mg. While my head pain has diminished significantly—by about 90 to 95%—I now experience occasional uncomfortable sensations on my scalp. These feelings include pins and needles, a cooling sensation, and some crawling feelings near my hairline and ears. There are fleeting moments where I feel brief throbs lasting a second, but I do not have any persistent headaches. To clarify, I do not experience any of the following: - Nausea - Weakness in my limbs - Numbness - Changes in my vision - Coordination difficulties - Seizures The symptoms I have are transient, shifting around and often intensifying when I become conscious of them or as the day progresses. I would like to know: Is it common to experience these sensations during the recovery stage following episodes of neuralgia or migraine-like discomfort? Additionally, could the amitriptyline potentially be causing these temporary paresthetic sensations? I am seeking some reassurance or advice on what is typically observed during this healing process. Thank you.