Rib Head Restrictions are common for active people but can happen to more sedentary people with poor posture.  Common reasons for rib head restrictions/rib sprains are, but not limited to:  Poor Posture, Muscular Spasms, Overhead movements, Moderate and Intense Exercise, Scoliosis, among others. 

When there is a rib head that restricts(sometimes referred to a rib that is “out”) you can experience intense pains – Sharp, Stabbing, Pinching, Achiness, Soreness, Tightness/Spasm – that sometimes can be translated through your body to the chest.  Some people say that they notice tightness in the chest and feel like something is wrong with their heart(even though it is not a heart attack).

The best course of action for this issue is to seek professional help.  A professional will be able to evaluate, diagnose, and build a treatment plan specific to the individual and the issue.  A proper treatment plan for this issue should include manual therapy to help decrease muscular, tendon, and ligament irritations which will help decrease pain.  Joint mobilization/manipulation will help keep the joints moving properly and decrease tension and stiffness.  Stability and strength programming will help improve support and balance to the muscles for decreased risk of irritation.  And finally, build a self-care program for the individual on how to manage this issue on their own.