Thoracic Spine & Rib Pain Treatment in Dubai
Every deep breath shouldn’t have to hurt.
If you feel a sharp twinge in your upper back or rib cage every time you inhale, or a constant tightness wrapping around your chest, you’re not alone. Thoracic spine and rib pain can be frustrating and frightening, from the dull ache between your shoulder blades to the stabbing rib pain when breathing deeply.
It can limit your ability to twist, exercise, or even sit comfortably, leaving you anxious and exhausted. We understand your pain and we’re here to help. Thomas Wynn-Jones, the Osteopath in Dubai, combines compassionate care with proven osteopathic techniques to relieve thoracic spine and rib pain at its source, so you can breathe freely and move with ease again. Our clinic in Al Bada’a (near Jumeirah and Al Wasl Road) is conveniently located to serve patients from Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, Satwa, DIFC, Al Safa, Business Bay and beyond, offering the specialised osteopathy to Dubai residents, for rib issues and upper back pain.
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What Is the Thoracic Spine and Rib Cage?
The thoracic spine is the mid-back region of your spine, running from the base of your neck to the bottom of your ribcage. It consists of 12 vertebrae (T1–T12) that attach to the 12 pairs of ribs, forming the rib cage. This bony structure provides a protective cage around your heart and lungs while still allowing movement for breathing. The thoracic vertebrae and ribs work as a unit: each rib connects to the spine at costovertebral joints (small joints where the rib meets the vertebra) and curves around to attach to the sternum (breastbone) via flexible cartilage.
How It All Works
The thoracic spine is built for stability and support, it’s less flexible in bending than your neck or lower back, but it does allow rotation (twisting) and the expansion of your chest when you breathe. In fact, your rib cage and thoracic spine stabilize each other: the spine gives the rib cage a strong anchor, and the ribs in turn support the spine. When everything is functioning well, you can breathe deeply, turn, and stretch without pain. But if something disrupts this harmony, a rib joint gets stuck, a vertebra becomes restricted or muscles in the area tighten, you may experience pain and limited motion. The interconnection means that a problem in one (say, a misaligned rib) will affect the other (causing thoracic spinal irritation), leading to that characteristic thoracic restriction and discomfort.
Why Dysfunction Occurs
The mid-back and rib area can become irritated for many reasons. Unlike the more mobile neck, the thoracic spine is naturally stiffer, so when extra strain or injury occurs, these joints and muscles can seize up protectively. You might feel a “band” of tightness around your upper back or chest, or pinpoint pain along the spine or between the ribs. Often, thoracic spine issues also trigger muscle spasms in the surrounding areas (shoulders, mid-back), compounding the pain. Understanding the typical causes of thoracic and rib pain can help you pinpoint why you’re hurting – and guide effective treatment.
Thomas Wynn-Jones
BSc, BOst, Registered Osteopath UK & UAE
About Thomas
Meet Your Expert Osteopath in Dubai
Thomas Wynn-Jones is a seasoned osteopath in his 20th year of practice, he was trained at the British School of Osteopathy (now the University College of Osteopathy) and registered with the General Osteopathic Council in the UK plus the DHA in Dubai. He specializes in providing holistic healthcare solutions for patients of all ages, including sports injury management. His diverse expertise covers various osteopathic approaches, such as cranial, structural, and visceral osteopathy. Thomas’s dedication extends to treating a range of conditions, from low back and neck pain to pregnancy-related discomfort, babies, animals and headaches.
Common Causes of Thoracic Spine & Rib Pain
Thoracic spine and rib pain usually doesn’t happen out of the blue – there are common patterns and triggers we see frequently. Here are some of the top causes of pain in this region and how they occur:
Poor Posture & Postural Strain
In our modern lifestyle, many of us spend long hours hunched over desks, computers, or phones. Over time, this slouched posture puts constant stress on the mid-back. Rounded shoulders and a forward-head position can cause the thoracic spine to remain in a flexed (curved) position for too long, straining the joints and muscles.
The result is often nagging mid-back ache and stiffness, which can radiate around the rib cage. Postural strain tends to build up gradually, you might notice increasing tightness or fatigue between the shoulder blades after a day of working at your computer. Without intervention, this can lead to chronic thoracic pain and rib joint stiffness as the spine’s mobility decreases. (Think of how your upper back feels after hours of sitting – that burning or pulling sensation can be a warning sign.)
Costovertebral Joint Dysfunction (“Rib Out”)
Sometimes a rib joint can become slightly misaligned or stuck – often described as a rib “popping out” or a locked rib. In medical terms, this is a dysfunction or sprain of the costovertebral joint (where the rib attaches to the spine). It can happen from a sudden twist, an awkward reach, or even prolonged coughing/sneezing.
When a rib joint is irritated or fixated, it often causes sharp, pinpoint pain just next to the spine, and pain that gets worse with deep breathing, coughing or twisting. Many people experience muscle spasm in that area as well, as the body tries to protect the injured joint. The pain might be one-sided and can refer along the rib, making it hurt in your chest or side too. This “rib dysfunction” is a common culprit behind acute mid-back pain and that feeling of not being able to take a deep breath without pain.
Scoliosis or Spinal Imbalances
A lateral curvature of the spine (scoliosis) or other structural imbalances can lead to thoracic and rib pain over time. When the spine curves or rotates abnormally, it pulls the attached ribs along with it. You might notice one shoulder or one side of your rib cage sits higher than the other. These asymmetries put uneven pressure on the spine and rib joints.
In scoliosis, muscles on one side become overstretched and on the other side too tight; the rib cage can even become slightly deformed in severe cases (a “rib hump”). All this can result in aches, muscle fatigue, and sometimes pinching pain in the mid-back. While mild scoliosis often doesn’t cause pain, more significant curves or long-term adaptations can create stiffness and soreness in the thoracic area. An osteopath will assess any postural deviations like this that might be contributing to your discomfort.
Trauma or Injury
Direct injuries can certainly cause thoracic and rib pain. Car accidents (whiplash doesn’t only affect the neck, it can jar the mid-back too), falls, or sports injuries can strain the thoracic joints or even cause rib fractures or contusions. Even less dramatic incidents, like lifting a heavy object awkwardly or a sudden twist when reaching, can sprain the ligaments around the spine and ribs.
With trauma, pain is often acute and sharp. In the case of a cracked or bruised rib, you’ll feel very localized pain on the rib and sharp pain with breathing or movement. After any significant chest or back injury, it’s wise to get evaluated to rule out fractures. For non-fracture injuries, osteopathic treatment can greatly help speed up healing by reducing stiffness and improving alignment as you recover. This also reflects osteopathic philosophy in healing!
Shallow Breathing & Muscle Tension
How we breathe can influence our thoracic spine and rib mobility. Many people habitually take shallow breaths (for example, during periods of stress or when sitting with poor posture). Shallow “chest breathing” means you’re not fully expanding your rib cage; instead, you might be overusing the neck and shoulder muscles to lift the chest.
This leads to tight intercostal muscles (the small muscles between ribs) and accessory breathing muscles like the scalenes and pecs. Over time, these chronically tight muscles restrict your thoracic movement and create a sense of rigidity in the rib cage.
You might feel a constant mild tightness around your upper back and front of the chest. Additionally, anxiety and stress can cause people to unconsciously guard their rib cage (almost as if bracing for a hit) or breathe in a rapid, shallow manner – contributing to that thoracic stiffness. The good news is that by retraining breathing patterns and releasing muscle tension, we can often dramatically improve this type of rib pain.
In all these scenarios, the pain pattern can vary. It might be a deep dull ache or a sharp catching pain. You could feel it centrally in the spine, or more on one side wrapping around the ribs. But whatever the cause, our goal is the same: to restore normal movement to your thoracic spine and rib joints, relieve muscle tension, and eliminate the pain so you can get back to normal life.
Our Osteopathic Approach to Thoracic & Rib Pain Relief
Thomas Wynn-Jones, the Osteopath, will take a whole-body, hands-on approach to treating thoracic spine and rib pain. What does that mean for you? It means we don’t just focus on the spot that hurts – we assess and treat all the connected areas that could be contributing to your pain, from your neck and shoulders to your breathing mechanics and even your low back. Osteopathic treatment is highly individualized: we tailor our techniques to your specific issues and comfort level, ensuring a safe and effective healing process. Here’s what you can expect when you come in with thoracic or rib pain:
Comprehensive Assessment
We’ll start with a thorough history and examination. This includes listening to your experience of the pain (when it started, what makes it better or worse) and examining your posture, spinal alignment, rib motion, and muscle tension. We may ask you to bend, twist, and breathe deeply to pinpoint exactly which joints or tissues are involved. This holistic assessment helps us identify whether your pain is coming from a locked costovertebral joint, muscular strain, poor posture habits, or other factors. By understanding the root cause, we can target the treatment to where it’s needed most.
Gentle Joint Mobilisation
One of the core osteopathic techniques we use is joint mobilisation. This involves gently moving and stretching the joints of your thoracic spine and ribs to restore their normal range of motion. For example, if we find a certain vertebra or rib isn’t moving as it should, we’ll use precise, hands-on movements to loosen the restriction. Mobilisations are usually slow, rhythmical movements within your comfort range – there’s no forceful “cracking” with these. Patients often feel a sense of relief and easing of stiffness as the joints start to glide better. Restoring motion to a stuck rib or vertebra not only reduces pain but also improves blood flow and nerve function in the area, promoting healing.
Soft Tissue Release
Muscles and connective tissues around your spine and ribs can become very tight and sensitive when you’re in pain. We incorporate various soft tissue techniques to release these tensions. This may include targeted inhbition, myofascial release, trigger point pressure, and stretching of the muscles in your upper back, chest, and around the shoulder blades. By relaxing tight intercostal muscles, spinal erectors, and shoulder girdle muscles, we decrease the pull on your spine and ribs.
This not only provides pain relief but also allows the adjustments and mobilisation to hold better (since the muscles won’t immediately yank things back out of alignment). Many patients find this hands-on muscle work extremely relieving, that knotted, rock-hard feeling in your upper back begins to soften, and you can move more comfortably.
HVLA (High-Velocity Low-Amplitude) Adjustments
If appropriate for your condition, Thomas may perform gentle osteopathic adjustments to the thoracic spine or ribs. HVLA is a classic quick yet precise thrust technique, you might know it as the “click” or “pop” that often comes with chiropractic adjustments. Osteopaths actually invented and developed these techniques that are also used by chiropractors, and they can be very effective for unlocking a stuck joint.
For example, if a particular rib head is misaligned, a swift, expert thrust can reposition it, providing almost instant relief and improved mobility. These adjustments are always done with your comfort and safety in mind. You’ll be positioned carefully, and the technique is applied in a split second, often patients report a sense of release and can breathe or turn more freely right after. Note: HVLA techniques are only used when needed and with patient consent; if you’re not comfortable with the idea of a “click” don’t worry – we have plenty of other methods to get you feeling better.
Rib Cage Mobilisation & Breathing Techniques
Because the ribs move with each breath, we often include techniques to improve rib cage expansion. This can involve specific stretches or muscle energy techniques where you take a deep breath in or out while we assist the movement of a rib. By synchronizing with your breathing, we can gently coax a stiff rib joint to move in the way it’s supposed to.
We’ll also guide you in breathing exercises to ensure you’re using your diaphragm and not just shallow breathing from the chest. By retraining your breathing pattern, we help you maintain the improvements from treatment – your ribs and thoracic spine will move more naturally with each breath, preventing future stiffness. Many patients find that learning to breathe deeply into the abdomen not only helps their upper back, but also reduces stress and improves overall well-being.
Postural Rehabilitation & Advice
Long-term relief of thoracic spine and rib pain often means addressing the habits or weaknesses that led to it. We will give you practical advice on ergonomics and posture – for instance, how to set up your workstation or driving position to reduce strain on your upper back. You might benefit from doing gentle exercises and or stretches at home as well. These might include thoracic extension stretches (to counteract hunching), strength exercises for your mid-back and core, and chest stretches to open up a tight front.
If needed, we’ll also look at other regions: sometimes improving hip or lower back mobility can indirectly ease upper back tension (since the body works as a chain or interconnected unit). Our goal is to empower you with the tools to keep your spine and ribs healthy. Even simple changes like taking regular breaks to stretch during desk work, or doing a daily cat-cow stretch for your spine, can make a world of difference. By following our tailored exercise program and advice, you’ll not only get relief now but also build resilience to prevent the problem from coming back.
Throughout your treatment, communication is key. Thomas will explain what he’s finding and what each technique is meant to do, so you’re an active partner in your healing. Osteopathic treatment for thoracic and rib pain is typically very soothing – many patients feel improvement after the first session or two, especially in mobility. If your pain has been chronic or due to a significant injury, a short series of sessions may be recommended to fully resolve the issue and ensure your body stays balanced. We’ll also keep an eye on your progress and adjust the plan as you improve.
Remember, our approach is not just about chasing symptoms; it’s about restoring harmony to your body’s mechanics. When your spine, ribs, muscles, and nervous system are all working together properly, you’ll be amazed at how quickly pain fades and how much better you can move. Our aim is for you to leave each session feeling looser, lighter, and more in control of your health than when you walked in.
Thomas Wynn-Jones’s Expertise & Holistic Care
You’re in experienced hands. Thomas Wynn-Jones is a highly qualified osteopath with two decades of experience in helping patients overcome pain and move better. Trained in the UK at the prestigious University College of Osteopathy (formerly the British School of Osteopathy), he brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to every treatment.
Thomas is fully registered in both the UK and the UAE, which means he adheres to the highest standards of osteopathic care and professionalism. Over the years, he has successfully treated countless cases of back and rib pain, from office workers with posture-related thoracic stiffness to athletes with rib injuries.
His approach is grounded in whole-body healing – he looks beyond the symptoms to find the root cause of your discomfort, be it a distant old injury or a subtle posture issue, and addresses it with personalised care.
What truly sets Thomas apart is his hands-on, empathetic approach. He understands that thoracic spine and rib pain can be scary (it’s near vital organs, after all) and often confusing for patients. He takes the time to listen to your concerns, thoroughly explain his findings, and answer your questions. Patients often comment on feeling heard and supported in Thomas’s care.
By combining multiple osteopathic techniques, from gentle cranial and visceral methods to classic joint adjustments, he is able to tailor the treatment to what your body needs on that day. This not only maximises relief but also builds trust, as you’ll always know you’re getting a treatment plan designed just for you.
As a practitioner of osteopathy in Dubai for rib issues and spinal problems, Thomas stays updated with the latest advancements in the field and integrates evidence-informed practices. He believes in educating his patients as well; you’ll likely leave with a better understanding of how your body works and how you can take charge of your recovery.
Above all, Thomas Wynn-Jones is driven by a genuine passion for helping people live pain-free lives. His extensive experience, combined with a warm, professional demeanor, means you can trust that you’re in good hands on your journey to recovery.
Find Relief in Dubai – Book Your Appointment
Don’t let thoracic spine and rib pain hold you back from living your life to the fullest. Relief is closer than you think – right here in Dubai. Thomas Wynn-Jones Osteopath is conveniently located at 343 Al Wasl Rd – Al Bada’a, Dubai, easily accessible from Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, Satwa, DIFC, Al Wasl, Al Safa, and Business Bay. Whether your pain is recent or you’ve been putting up with that nagging ache for months, now is the time to take action.
Imagine being able to breathe deeply without that stabbing pain, or waking up without the familiar tight band around your upper back. With expert osteopathic treatment, these outcomes are very achievable. We invite you to take the first step toward feeling better. Contact us today to schedule your appointment, our friendly team is ready to help you set a convenient time. At your initial visit, we’ll conduct a thorough evaluation and start treating the problem from day one, so you walk out already on the road to relief.
Your health and comfort are our top priority. From the moment you enter our Dubai clinic, you’ll notice a welcoming, professional environment where you can feel at ease. We allow plenty of time for each session, ensuring you never feel rushed. Our goal is not just quick pain relief (though you’ll get that too!), but lasting results and a clear plan for maintaining your spine and rib health moving forward.
Ready to feel the difference?
Book your osteopathy session with Thomas Wynn-Jones and rediscover what pain-free breathing and movement feel like. It’s time to regain your freedom and confidence. Reach out now , a healthier, happier back and ribcage await you!
Practicing At
Browns & Co
343 Al Wasl Rd – Al Bada’a – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 4 273 1555
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can an osteopath really help with thoracic spine and rib pain?
Yes – an experienced osteopath can absolutely help with thoracic and rib pain. Osteopaths are trained to assess and treat the joints, muscles, and ligaments of the spine and ribs using hands-on techniques. For example, Thomas Wynn-Jones in Dubai has helped many patients with mid-back and rib issues by gently mobilising stuck joints, releasing muscle tension, and improving the alignment of the thoracic spine. Osteopathic treatment is very effective for conditions like costovertebral joint dysfunction, postural strain, and muscle tightness. By treating the root causes (such as a locked rib or poor posture) rather than just the symptoms, an osteopath can relieve pain, restore your mobility, and help prevent the problem from coming back. Many patients find osteopathic sessions not only reduce their pain but also improve their overall posture and breathing. In short, if you’re struggling with upper back or rib cage pain, seeing a skilled osteopath is a smart choice for lasting relief.
Why do my ribs hurt when I take a deep breath?
Pain in the ribs during deep breathing is often a sign of a costovertebral joint issue or an intercostal muscle strain. When you breathe in, your rib cage expands – if a joint where a rib meets the spine is inflamed or “stuck,” it can cause a sharp pain with each breath (people often describe it as a stabbing or pinching feeling). Likewise, if the muscles between your ribs (intercostal muscles) are strained or in spasm, stretching them during a deep breath will hurt. This kind of pain is common after a sudden movement or cough/sneeze that irritates a rib joint, or from repetitive strain. The good news is that these issues are musculoskeletal – meaning an osteopath can treat them. However, always pay attention to details: if rib or chest pain is severe, comes with shortness of breath, fever, or dizziness, you should rule out other causes (like lung or heart issues) with a medical doctor. But if it’s purely with movement or breathing and located in the chest/back area, it’s likely a mechanical rib/spine problem. Osteopathic treatment can gently free up the rib joint or relax the muscle, often easing that deep breath pain significantly even after one session.
Osteopathy vs. Chiropractic – which is better for thoracic back and rib pain?
Both osteopaths and chiropractors treat spine and rib cage issues, but there are some differences in approach. Chiropractors tend to focus primarily on the spine and often use quick adjustments (HVLA thrusts) to correct alignment. They might adjust the thoracic vertebrae or ribs to address a misalignment causing your pain. Osteopaths, on the other hand, use a broader approach: we look at the whole body and utilize a variety of techniques (not just adjustments). In a session with an osteopath for thoracic or rib pain, we might do some gentle joint mobilisation, soft tissue inhibition, stretching, and yes, possibly some adjustments too – whatever your body needs. Osteopaths also pay close attention to related areas like your neck, shoulders, diaphragm, and even hips, since all these can influence your mid-back mechanics. Neither approach is “better” in an absolute sense; it depends on the practitioner and the patient. Many people prefer osteopathy for rib pain because the combined muscle work and joint work can be very effective for relieving those deep, nagging aches. Ultimately, both aim to restore normal motion and relieve pain. If you’re unsure, you can always try osteopathy and see how the holistic style suits you – you might find you appreciate the gentler and more comprehensive treatment style, especially for a sensitive area like the ribs.
How can I prevent thoracic spine and rib pain in the future?
Great question! Prevention is key for long-term wellness. Here are a few tips to keep your thoracic spine and ribs healthy:
- Mind Your Posture: Since slouching is a big culprit, try to maintain a neutral spine posture during the day. If you work at a desk, adjust your chair and screen so that you’re not hunched forward. Use a small rolled towel or cushion behind your lower back to support a gentle arch, which helps keep your upper back upright. Periodically, do a quick posture check: shoulders relaxed and back, chin slightly tucked, and imagine a string lifting you from the top of your head. Good posture reduces unnecessary strain on your mid-back joints.
- Take Frequent Breaks & Stretch: Our spines love movement. If you sit or stand for long periods, take a break every hour or so. Even a minute of stretching can help – try gentle shoulder rolls, neck stretches, or a simple thoracic extension exercise (for example, clasp your hands behind your neck and gently arch your upper back over your chair, or stand in a doorway and stretch your arms to open the chest). Regular stretching of your chest, shoulders, and upper back will keep those areas flexible and fend off stiffness.
- Strengthen Your Core and Back: Building strength in your mid-back and core muscles provides better support for your spine and ribs. Exercises like rows or resistance band pull-aparts strengthen the muscles between your shoulder blades. Planks or Pilates exercises can engage your deep core muscles. A stronger postural musculature means your spine is more supported during daily activities, reducing the chance of small strains. Consider doing a balanced workout routine or consult with a physiotherapist/osteopath for specific exercises that suit your needs.
- Practice Healthy Breathing: It might sound odd, but how you breathe affects your thorax. Work on breathing deeply using your diaphragm. You can practice by lying down with a hand on your belly and chest – as you inhale, let your belly rise (not just your chest). This diaphragmatic breathing fully expands the lower ribs and takes pressure off the upper chest muscles. It can prevent those muscles from getting chronically tight. Plus, managing stress through breathing or relaxation techniques can reduce the tension you carry in your upper body. Some patients even find yoga or tai chi helpful as it combines breathing with gentle movement, keeping the thoracic area supple.
By incorporating these habits, you’ll go a long way toward preventing thoracic spine and rib issues. Of course, life happens – even with the best habits, injuries or aches can still occur. But the stronger and more flexible you keep your body, the more resilient you’ll be. And if pain does flare up, you know we’re here to help get you back on track!
Can a rib really be “out of place” or dislocated?
We often hear patients say “I feel like a rib is out.” In truth, a typical daily activity or minor injury usually won’t dislocate a rib completely – true rib dislocations are quite rare and usually involve significant trauma (like high-impact accidents). What people are feeling when they say a “rib is out” is usually a costovertebral joint dysfunction or rib fixation. Essentially, the joint where the rib meets the spine has become locked or slightly misaligned, creating sharp pain and muscle spasm. It can indeed feel like something is “out of place” because your movement is so restricted and the area is tender. An osteopath can effectively treat this by mobilising or adjusting that joint, which often causes the sensation of the rib being put “back in place” (and yes, sometimes there’s an audible click as it releases). Once the joint is moving properly and the surrounding muscles relax, the pain subsides and that feeling of a misplaced rib goes away.
outside of major injuries, your ribs aren’t literally popping out of your spine – but they can definitely get stuck or irritated, and osteopathic treatment will help “reset” them to normal motion. If you ever do have a true dislocation or fracture, that’s an emergency situation and needs medical intervention. For common rib joint issues though, we’ve got you covered with safe, hands-on correction.
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