Cervical Rib Pain: Massage Therapy Recommendations & Understanding Your Condition

Question
I have been told by a pain specialist (anesthesiologist) that I have a cervical rib on both sides, which is very unusual.  He discovered it when administering pain injections in my neck. I am having a lot of pain and suspect it is because of this condition. The pain injections are not helping.  What type of massage would you recommend?

Answer
Hello Jon!

Unfortunately I don't have a lot of experience with cervical ribs, but given that they are just a little more of you to love, I don't think of them as a bad thing.  However, that region is complicated as is, so I'm sure extra bones only make things more interesting.  If I had to guess, I would imagine that you would be prone to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, which can be treated with Myofascial Release (MFR) or Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), so I would look for a practitioner who can perform these modalities.

Best wishes!
Mikey