Symptoms of the cervical rib, which is a rare syndrome that causes a rib to grow in one of the neck vertebrae, can include:
- Lump in the neck; Pain in the shoulder and neck; Tingling in the arms, hands or fingers; Purple hands and fingers, especially during cold days; Swelling of an arm;
These symptoms are rare and arise when the rib has fully developed, compressing a blood vessel or nerve and, therefore, can vary in intensity and duration according to each case.
Although the cervical rib has been present since birth, most patients only discover it between the ages of 20 and 40, especially when the rib is formed only by a pile of fibers, which are not visible on the X-ray.
Thus, when there are problems with circulation in the arms, pain in the neck, or constant tingling in the arms and fingers, but common causes such as cervical hernia or thoracic outlet syndrome are not present, cervical rib syndrome may be suspected.
How to treat the cervical rib
The best treatment for cervical rib syndrome is surgery to remove excess bone. However, this technique is only used when the patient has advanced symptoms, such as severe pain and tingling in the arms, which prevent daily activities.
Before using surgery, the orthopedist can recommend other ways to relieve symptoms, which include:
- Stretch the neck every 2 hours. See how to do it in: Stretches for neck pain; Apply a warm compress to the neck for 10 minutes, with the possibility of ironing a cloth diaper or an iron hand towel, for example; Receive a massage on the neck or back, as it helps to decrease the accumulation of tension, relaxing the muscles of the neck; Learn techniques to protect the neck and back in activities of daily living, participating in occupational therapy; Physiotherapy with stretching exercises and strengthening of the neck muscles, relieving muscle pain.
In addition, the doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Diclofenac, or pain relievers, such as Naproxen and Paracetamol, to reduce discomfort and pain caused by the cervical rib.
