Rib flare is when the front of the rib cage opens outward. This condition often indicates that the mobility of the chest and the overall biomechanics of the body have changed.
1How does the chain work?
When the movement of the chest is restricted, the diaphragm’s function changes. When the diaphragm changes, intra-abdominal pressure is distributed differently. This, in turn, places extra load on the pelvic floor muscles.
- Diaphragm → intra-abdominal pressure → pelvic floor
- Accompanying complaints: lower back tension, pelvic floor problems, shallow breathing
- Looking only at the ribs or only at the pelvis is not enough
We look not at where the pain is, but at where it comes from.
— Dr. Elfana Suleymanova, Center Director · Internist and osteopathic physician
Methods we use for this topic
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Sources and further reading
- Upper Back Pain — upper back and thoracic pain — Spine-health