QuestionDuring a massage, I pointed out to the therapist where I've been experiencing the most pain. She started rubbing there and said that it felt like my last 12th rib was pushed a little inward/downward. Is it possible for the last pair of ribs to be pushed inward and down a little bit, causing pain in the lower back/flank area, just above the hip bone? If so, what kind of condition is this called?
AnswerThe short answer: Absolutely. It shows even on X-Rays, this is not airy-fairy weirdo talk.
Why?
A couple main causes.
The most likely is muscle tightness. If you're like most North Americans, your Quadratus Lumborum muscle has been sooo tight for sooo long holding up your crappy posture while you slouch in front of the computer, instead of supporting your weight with your spine like your mommy taught you, that this muscle is tight and 'ropey', bouncing under cross-fibre palpation. Boinggg. Ask your therapist with nooo uncertainty. That tight group of muscle fibres arranged in a protective fan-shape (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadratus_lumborum for a great picture and writeup) across your lower back. It tightens to protect and stabilize your lower back.
Email back if this sounds about right; I'll add more.
Bliss and health,
Glenn Kukkee,
RMT, Vancouver, BC, Canada
