Cervical rib symptoms

Symptoms of the cervical rib, which is a rare syndrome that causes the growth of a rib in one of the vertebrae of the neck, may include:

• Neck lump;
• Pain in the shoulder and neck;
• Tingling in the arms, hands or fingers;
• Purple hands and fingers, especially during cold days;
• Swelling of one arm;

These symptoms are rare and arise when the rib has developed completely, compressing a blood vessel or nerve and therefore can vary in intensity and duration according to each case.

Although the cervical rib is present from birth, most patients only discover between the ages of 20 and 40, especially when the rib is made up of a heap of fibers that are not visible on the X-ray.

Thus, when there are problems with circulation in the arms, neck pain or constant tingling of the arms and fingers, but common causes such as cervical hernia or thoracic duct syndrome are not present, cervical rib syndrome may be suspected.

How to treat cervical rib

Cervical rib treatment should be guided by an orthopedist and is only recommended when the patient has symptoms and is initiated with physical therapy appointments to do neck stretching exercises to improve posture and relieve compression of vessels and nerves.

However, when physiotherapy is unable to relieve symptoms, your doctor may prescribe taking analgesics and anti-inflammatories, such as Naproxen or Diclofenac, to relieve pain and inflammation of the site.

In more severe cases, where physical therapy and medications are not able to treat cervical rib symptoms, patients may opt for rib removal surgery.

Useful links:

• Stretches for neck pain
• Thoracic Gorge Syndrome
• Treatment for cervical rib