13th rib!!

Hi

I hope someone can help me with this persistent problem. 4 years ago I suffered trauma on my right side back and 12th rib from repetitive lifting. I had exploratory surgery which showed I had been born with an extra (floating) rib, so I have 13ribs on my right side. It was badly inflamed and swollen. The surgeon did not know what to do with it so did nothing further but gave me a diagnosis of costochondritus. I then had steroid injections into the rib which helped for a while. 4 years later the pain persists and I have been given a diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome as there is a huge trigger point on my back where 12th rib meets the spine. I have regular acupuncture which helps but running out of options. No one has mentioned that the pain could be caused from damage to the floating rib, but there is a suggestion this may be rubbing on my 12th rib and causing irritation and pain.

I know this is not a common problem but I would like some advice as to what else I can do. I have tried very pain relief medication possible and while they help they are not a long term solution. Do people have their extra ribs removed? Is this a risky operation? Is it worth pursing this line of treatment?

Any suggestions welcome please, I'm at a complete loss!

Many thanks