Rib Pain & Breathing Discomfort: A Often Overlooked Cause

Rib pain can feel sharp, tight, or even alarming—especially when it hurts to breathe, twist, or reach. While many assume it’s a muscle strain, restricted rib joints and surrounding tissue irritation are common and often missed causes.

Your ribs move with every breath. When rib joints lose mobility due to posture, coughing, trauma, or prolonged sitting, breathing mechanics can become strained. This may lead to side pain, upper back tightness, shallow breathing, or discomfort when laughing or exercising.

Common signs include:• Pain with deep breaths• Tightness wrapping around the chest or back• Discomfort when rotating or reaching overhead

At 614 Chiropractic in Hilliard, we assess rib motion, spinal alignment, and tissue health to restore proper movement and help breathing feel natural again.