How to Diagnose Slipping Rib Syndrome

Slipping Rib Syndrome is a painful condition, mimicking a heart attack. Learn about the steps in diagnosing this condition and warnings to look for that can differentiate between a heart attack and slipping rib syndrome.

Things You'll Need

• Medical sonography machine
• Therapy bands
• Anti-inflammatory

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Instructions

• 1

  Seek a qualified physician, chiropractor or orthopedist.

• 2

  Tell them your symptoms, being as precise as you can be to get an accurate diagnosis.

• 3

  Ask for an ultrasound of the ribs or have the doctor palpitate the region, mostly the costal region and upper abdomen, checking for any abnormality or slippage. If the area is tender or muscle spasms can be detected, slipping rib syndrome would most-likely be the diagnosis.

• 4

  Once diagnosed, ask about exercises to help strengthen the costal area, where the ribs are located.

• 5

  Take anti-inflammatory medication to help reduce swelling and inflammation of the intercostal region and limit strenuous activity involving the affected ribs.