Understanding Slipping Rib Syndrome
My girlfriend, who is 16 years old, has been dealing with slipping ribs for an extended period. Despite visiting numerous healthcare professionals, she has encountered a series of responses ranging from ineffective treatments to uncertainty about her condition, with some suggesting surgical intervention. Is there anyone out there who could offer practical advice? Today, she consulted a pediatric specialist, a Thoracic Surgeon, who indicated that surgery might be a possibility. However, he could not determine whether the issue lies with the right side of her ribs due to her experiencing pain in multiple areas. She has also seen several chiropractors, who have manipulated her ribs back into position, but they inevitably dislocate again over time. I'm at a loss for how else to provide support for her situation.
Answers (1)
7/28/2025, 9:50:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your girlfriend's struggles with slipping rib syndrome; it can be a frustrating and painful condition. Here’s a concise overview and practical advice to help manage her situation.
Main Points:
- Understanding Slipping Rib Syndrome: Slipping rib syndrome occurs when the lower ribs become unstable and can move out of position, leading to pain. It's not uncommon, especially in younger individuals.
- Current Challenges: The variable responses from different healthcare providers and the consideration of surgical options highlight the complexity of her condition.
Explanation:
Slipping rib syndrome can cause pain in different areas due to nerve irritation or muscle spasms linked to the displacement of the ribs. It's essential to find a management strategy that minimizes her pain and maintains rib stability without resorting to surgery unless absolutely necessary.
Prioritized Next Steps:
- Pain Management: Consider over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help manage discomfort. Always follow the advised dosage according to her age and weight.
- Focus on Core Stability: Strengthening the core muscles can help provide support to the rib cage. Gentle exercises like pelvic tilts, bridges, and low-impact activities such as yoga or pilates can improve stability without putting undue stress on her ribs.
- Physical Therapy: If her pain persists, working with a physical therapist who specializes in rib dysfunction or chronic pain might be beneficial. They can offer targeted exercises and techniques to help stabilize her ribs.
- Avoiding Triggers: Identify and avoid activities that seem to exacerbate her pain, such as certain sports or movements that strain her ribcage. Keeping a log of her activities and pain levels can help pinpoint these triggers.
- Frequent Check-ins with a Specialist: Since her condition is complex, regular follow-ups with a pediatric specialist or a rheumatologist (to rule out any underlying issues) may be essential. Consider discussing alternative treatment options together, such as injections or other non-surgical interventions.
Support:
Continue to be supportive, as emotional and social support plays a significant role in managing chronic pain. Your involvement and understanding will help her feel less alone during this challenging time.
If more severe symptoms arise, like difficulty breathing or sharp, worsening pain, seek immediate medical attention. Please let me know if you have further questions or need elaboration on any point.
Related Questions
Understanding Nosebleeds
Hi there! I’m a 26-year-old male, 6'1” and weighing 190 pounds. At present, I'm feeling unwell, and after experiencing vomiting, I noticed some blood coming from my nose. I managed to clean it up, and the bleeding has stopped now. I’m wondering if this warrants a visit to the emergency room or if it’s something I can just monitor. Interestingly, I had a similar incident a couple of days ago following another bout of vomiting, and it was accompanied by a headache. Is this something I should be concerned about?
Concerns About Possible Rabies Exposure
Location: California, Western United States While I was out for a daytime stroll in flip flops, I suddenly sensed something brushing against my ankle. It felt like it may have either scratched me or delivered a bite, which leads me to suspect it could have been a bat. I don't recall actually seeing a bat, but I was quite fatigued and chose not to linger and investigate further to identify what had touched me. Given that I can't completely dismiss the possibility of having been bitten by a bat, I’m seeking advice on the next steps. The information available online typically inquires if there was an actual bite or if I had a specific type of exposure, but I am unable to definitively answer either way.
Seeking Advice: Is Urgent Care Necessary?
At 21 years old, I’m a 5'5" female weighing around 175 pounds, and I’m currently feeling quite uneasy. I’m uncertain if the symptoms I’m experiencing are indicators of something serious like sepsis or a brain tumor, or if they’re simply the result of anxiety and overthinking. Since June 15th, I have been encountering intermittent, sharp pains in my head that typically last between three to five seconds, resembling a ‘stabbing’ sensation. My online research suggests they could be classified as icepick headaches, but I remain unsure. Concern for my health prompts me to consider visiting urgent care for a professional evaluation.
Experiencing Irregular Spotting and Pelvic Pain for Several Weeks
I’m 30 years old and have been dealing with unusually long menstrual cycles that can stretch anywhere from three months to a year apart, averaging around five to six months. My last period began on March 11th. Recently, I've noticed abnormal spotting for the past two to three weeks, accompanied by dull aches and cramps, with additional lower back pain introducing itself two days ago. The spotting has been peculiar, occurring intermittently but seemingly peaking around 4 to 5 PM daily, worsening over time; now it's even visible on pads. I have been experiencing this dull ache consistently for the last couple of months. Fortunately, I have an OBGYN appointment scheduled in three weeks, and I made a visit to Urgent Care yesterday due to the unusual nature of the spotting. During my visit, they conducted both blood and urine tests. The urine test revealed the presence of ketones, a trace of blood, and a high pH value of 7.5. My blood work showed that my MCH level was elevated at 32.4 (which has remained consistently high for the past five years). Meanwhile, my absolute eosinophil count was low at 0.03. Despite these findings, the Urgent Care staff later informed me that my results were classified as normal. To provide some context, I have made several attempts this year to consult with an OBGYN. However, the offices that accept my insurance require a referral from a primary care physician. I had to advocate strongly to receive this referral due to my concerns regarding my excessively long cycles and the pelvic pain I've been experiencing for the past three months. Initially, my primary care provider suggested either returning to birth control (which I’ve been off for two and a half years while trying to conceive) or only referring me to an OBGYN if my husband underwent a semen analysis first. In April, my doctor did refer me to a fertility clinic, but they are fully booked until next year. With my increasing discomfort, I expressed a desire to investigate potential serious underlying issues, but my doctor declined to issue a new referral for the OBGYN office. This prompted me to escalate the matter due to my health fears, informed by my family history of endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and a concerning cancer history among my parents—my father was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and passed away at 48, while my mother has been fighting colon cancer for the last seven years. Additionally, various types of cancer, including pancreatic, skin, and brain cancer, run in my maternal family. My situation has left me feeling anxious, so I am hopeful that my upcoming appointment will yield some clarity and much-needed answers.
Seeking Insight: Is This a Varicocele?
Age: 20 years Gender: Male Height: 5 feet 6 inches Weight: 46 kilos I’m reaching out for advice regarding a health issue I’ve been facing. Initially, over the course of two days, I experienced sporadic discomfort in my scrotum, which lasted approximately 5 to 10 minutes at a time, affecting me about three to four times each day. I took some paracetamol, which alleviated the pain. However, ever since that incident about a month ago, I've noticed a persistent sensation of heaviness and discomfort in my testicles. On occasion, I perceive that the veins appear swollen and twisted—not in a severe twisted manner, but they do seem altered. There’s no significant pain unless I apply pressure, but they do feel quite sensitive. Interestingly, I dealt with a similar situation roughly seven years ago, but that instance involved intense pain lasting for three to four days. This current experience is markedly different as it lacks the same level of discomfort. I would appreciate any insights or guidance on whether this could be indicative of a varicocele. I’m on the brink of starting university, so undergoing surgery right now would pose quite the challenge. I also enjoy staying active, although I'm not a gym-goer. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!