Diagnosis
The cornerstone of the diagnostic procedure for a rib block is, as is often the case, the anamnesis interview (taking the patient’s medical history) by the attending physician. The very nature of the pain and the fact that the pain can be reduced by changing position provide the first indications of a rib joint blockage. This is followed by a thorough physical examination to rule out possible other diseases and to assess the extent of the blockage. Neurological assessments, such as testing the reflexes on the arms, are also part of such an examination. Finally, there is the possibility to consult an imaging procedure with a magnetic resonance tomography.
Prognosis
A rib blockage can normally be treated well by physiotherapy or manual therapy, so that the symptoms subside quickly after successful therapy. Follow-up treatment or further medication is then no longer necessary.
Duration
In most cases, a rib blockage lasts only a short time and is released again by a random movement. In the majority of cases, the duration is therefore limited to seconds or a few minutes. In some cases, however, the rib blockage may not be released by the patient himself or she may assume such an extreme relieving posture that the rib cannot be repositioned in its original joint position. In this case, it will remain in place until a doctor, physiotherapist, or chiropractor can provide therapy or a solution.
Prophylaxis
Prophylactically, i.e. to prevent a blockage of a rib joint, it is extremely important to strengthen the back. The method of choice here is back school. Various strengthening exercises performed at home or under the supervision of a physiotherapist help to strengthen the entire musculature of the back and maintain its protective function.
Besides strengthening exercises, stretching exercises also play an important role. They keep the musculature flexible and allow more room to move. Back-friendly lifting and carrying ensures that ribs are not blocked when transporting heavy loads.
If you lift something heavy, you go down to your knees to relieve your back and then straighten up again with your back straight. If you put your load down, you should also kneel down with your back straight and then put the load down. In general, you should always make sure to work ergonomically.
Also in the office it is important to avoid bad posture, which is caused by sitting for a long time. Regular exercise and sporting activities are important protective factors to prevent rib blockages.