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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Painful Rib-tip Syndrome Be Treated?

Due to compression fractures in several vertebrae and some curvature in my spine, my ribs hit my hip-bones. I cannot be upright for very long (1/2 to 1 hour) before the pain is unbearable. Nero-surgeon said there was nothing he could do and suggested a thoracic surgeon. Is there anything they can do?
Thu, 3 May 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Let me tell you that it is difficult to diagnose slipping rib syndrome or Rib - Tip syndrome.

In some cases, slipping rib syndrome resolves on its own without treatment. Home treatment may include:
- resting
- avoiding strenuous activities
- applying heat or ice to the affected area
- taking a painkiller like an acetaminophen (Tylenol) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen (Aleve)
- doing stretching and rotation exercises

If the pain continues despite taking a painkiller, your doctor might try:
- a corticosteroid injection to help reduce the swelling
- an intercostal nerve block (an injection of an anesthetic in the intercostal nerve) to relieve pain
physical therapy

If the condition persists or causes severe pain, surgery may be recommended. The procedure, known as costal cartilage excision, has been shown in clinical studies to be an effective treatment for slipping rib syndrome.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Prabhash Verma
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How Can Painful Rib-tip Syndrome Be Treated?

Hello, Let me tell you that it is difficult to diagnose slipping rib syndrome or Rib - Tip syndrome. In some cases, slipping rib syndrome resolves on its own without treatment. Home treatment may include: - resting - avoiding strenuous activities - applying heat or ice to the affected area - taking a painkiller like an acetaminophen (Tylenol) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen (Aleve) - doing stretching and rotation exercises If the pain continues despite taking a painkiller, your doctor might try: - a corticosteroid injection to help reduce the swelling - an intercostal nerve block (an injection of an anesthetic in the intercostal nerve) to relieve pain physical therapy If the condition persists or causes severe pain, surgery may be recommended. The procedure, known as costal cartilage excision, has been shown in clinical studies to be an effective treatment for slipping rib syndrome. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Prabhash Verma