About the condition

What is Costovertebral Joint Sprain/Disorder?

Costovertebral joints are found between the vertebrae in the upper/mid-back area (thoracic spine) and the ribs. The surrounding structures to these joints are ligaments, cartilage and nerves. These act to support and facilitate twisting and breathing movements. Injuries or conditions affecting these costovertebral joints and ligaments can be calledcostotransverse disorders,costovertebral joint sprainorcostovertebral dysfunction.

Causes

What are the causes?

Costovertebral joint sprain/disorders are often triggered by exaggerated and repetitive movements involving the upper/mid-back (thoracic spine). These rotation movements can overstretch the trunk and ribcage area and surrounding costovertebral joints.

Some risk factors include:

Females are more likely to be diagnosed with the disorder than males, and it can occur at any age.

Poor sitting/standing posture
Prolonged periods of laborious activity or repetitive rotating movements
Traumatic injury
Muscle spasms near costovertebral joints
Lifting, pushing or pulling with a rotation in your Thoracic Spine
Hypermobility can increase your risk
Differential diagnosis ofosteoarthritis, T4 Syndrome or Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)

Symptoms

What are the symptoms?

Usually felt as a dull ache around the shoulder blade and on one side of the spine
Pain radiating to the chest/ribs or shoulder is also common
Pain with rotating the neck can be caused by the upper Thoracic Spine
Muscle spasms, weakness and/or fatigue
Worsened pain with breathing, coughing, sneezing & rotating movements
Reduced range of movement, especially rotation
Swelling and inflammation
Pain on palpation of the joint
Differential or comorbid diagnoses ofosteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, T4 Syndrome or Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)

Treatment

Treatment for costovertebral joint sprain/disorder

If you are experiencing pain in your thoracic spine or chest area, it is important that you see a medical professional to rule out any differential diagnoses of cardiac or other spinal conditions. You may be referred for scans to accurately determine diagnosis.

Physical therapy is greatly beneficial at restoring movement, and reducing pain and muscle spasm. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:

Anti-inflammatory and/or analgesic medication, rest and heat packs may help some of the symptoms. Additionally, they might recommend for you to use back support (braces), or a suitable pillow.

Soft tissue mobilisations (massage)
Joint mobilisation
Neural Glides
Stretching exercises
Restoring range of movement
Postural improvement
Heat therapy
Shockwave Therapy
Taping
Dry needling
A tailored home exercise program – specifically Thoracic Stability exercises
Graded Exposure to load program

Costovertebral Joint Sprain/Disorder Treatment in Sinnamon Park

What is Costovertebral Joint Sprain/Disorder?

What are the causes?

What are the symptoms?

Treatment for costovertebral joint sprain/disorder

Treating Costovertebral Joint Sprain/Disorder in Sinnamon Park

Get it assessed properly