Scoliosis not only affects the spine, but often also changes the shape of the entire upper body. When the spine bends sideways and twists, the rib cage also shifts. A visible curvature develops on one side, known as a rib hump. This accompanying symptom usually develops slowly and can affect both appearance and breathing and mobility. The severity of the rib hump and whether treatment is necessary depends on the cause and progression of the scoliosis. Modern therapies aim to stabilise the spine, correct poor posture and alleviate symptoms. We explain which options are useful below.
Scoliosis and rib hump: When the spine twists – and the rib cage follows
Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine that is accompanied by a twisting of the vertebrae. This causes the spine to lose its natural shape and form an S- or C-shaped curvature. This misalignment can be congenital, develop during growth or increase in adulthood.
The so-called rib hump develops because the ribs also shift as a result of the twisting of the vertebrae. On one side of the back, the rib cage bulges outwards, while the other side appears flatter. The severity can vary greatly – from barely visible to clearly noticeable – and is closely related to the degree of spinal curvature.
Not all rib humps look the same: there are different degrees of severity
The visibility of the rib hump can vary greatly. Its appearance depends primarily on the severity of the spinal curvature and which areas are affected. Orthopaedic surgeons generally distinguish between the following degrees of severity:
In the mild form, the lateral curvature of the spine is only slight. The ribs shift minimally, so that the rib hump is hardly noticeable in everyday life. It usually only becomes apparent when the affected person bends forward – for example, during the so-called Adams forward bend test, which we doctors use for early detection.
In this position, a small elevation can be seen on the back. Symptoms such as pain or restricted movement do not usually occur at this stage.
However, regular check-ups remain important, as the curvature can change during growth or with increasing age.
In this form, the deformation of the chest is already noticeable when standing. One shoulder is often slightly higher, the waist appears asymmetrical and the back curves slightly outwards on one side. This curvature becomes even more apparent during the forward bend test, as the twisting of the spine is more pronounced in this position.
Many affected individuals feel the first physical changes at this stage – such as a slight pulling or tension in the back muscles. Posture may also gradually change. Although the rib hump does not usually cause any major functional limitations, regular orthopaedic assessment is important. This allows us to detect changes at an early stage and take appropriate countermeasures in good time.
In severe cases, the deformity is clearly visible: the rib cage bulges outwards on one side, while the other side appears flatter.
The difference is particularly noticeable when the affected person bends forward. In advanced scoliosis, however, it remains clearly visible even when standing, for example due to uneven shoulder height or a lateral shift of the rib cage (significantly more pronounced than in moderate cases).
This asymmetry can alter posture and also affect breathing and mobility. Many people affected experience tension or pain at this stage, especially after prolonged sitting or physical exertion.
A thorough orthopaedic examination is crucial in order to stop the progression of scoliosis and decide on appropriate treatment options.
The location of the spinal curvature also influences where and how the deformity manifests itself. If the scoliosis is in the thoracic spine, the ribs rotate with the vertebrae. This creates the typical bulge on the upper back or side of the chest, known as a rib hump.
If, on the other hand, the curvature is in the lumbar spine, the ribs are not directly involved. Instead, the muscles in the lower back shift, forming a lumbar bulge – a muscular protrusion that can also be visible when bending forward.
Modern treatment methods for scoliosis-related rib humps
The treatment of a rib hump depends on the extent and location of the scoliosis. The age and general physical condition of the affected person are also important factors in determining a treatment plan. The aim is to stabilise the spine, reduce the curvature and alleviate symptoms. Various approaches are available for this purpose:
Physiotherapy plays a central role in the treatment of rib hump. Manual techniques and exercises help to actively correct poor posture, strengthen the core muscles and promote mobility of the spine. In specialised scoliosis therapies, such as the Schroth method, you will learn individual movement exercises that straighten the spine and make the chest appear more symmetrical. Conscious breathing, stretching and muscle training can noticeably improve posture. This can reduce the visible curvature of the back.
In growing adolescents, a corrective corset can slow down the progression of the curvature and have a positive effect on the twisting of the spine. The corset exerts targeted pressure on specific areas, thereby supporting the straightening of the torso.
If the scoliosis is severe or conservative measures are no longer sufficient, surgery may be necessary. This involves surgically straightening the spine and stabilising it with metal rods or screws. In many cases, this also significantly reduces the rib hump.
Improving rib humps and alleviating discomfort: complementary treatments at our practice in Frankfurt
In addition to traditional scoliosis therapy, our private practice for orthopaedics and traumatology in Frankfurt offers additional options for correcting poor posture, alleviating pain and improving spinal mobility. These complementary measures support the treatment of rib humps, as they can relax the muscles, promote body awareness and encourage the natural straightening of the back. These include:
Kinesio taping can be a useful complementary measure to support therapy for scoliosis and rib humps. We apply elastic, breathable tape to the skin over the affected muscles. The special and strategic application of the tape creates a gentle pulling effect that helps to correct posture and activates or relaxes the muscles, depending on the goal of the treatment.
In the case of a rib hump, taping helps to calm overworked muscle areas and stimulate weakened areas. This allows the spine to regain its balance. At the same time, the treatment can improve body awareness: those affected notice poor posture more quickly and can consciously adjust their posture in everyday life.
Kinesio taping is not a substitute for active physiotherapy, but it can significantly enhance its effects and noticeably reduce pain or tension in the back area.
More on this: Kinesio taping in Frankfurt
Manual therapy can help to relieve restricted movement in the spine and restore muscular balance. Through targeted, controlled hand movements, we mobilise blocked vertebral joints and thus improve the mobility of individual sections of the spine.
This treatment can help to reduce tension in the back muscles, harmonise posture and alleviate pain. It complements physiotherapy measures by creating the basis for freer and more upright movement.
Further information: Chiropractic therapy in Frankfurt
Acupuncture can be another valuable addition to the treatment of scoliosis-related complaints. By inserting fine needles into selected points on the body’s surface, pain, muscle tension and energy blockages can be influenced.
Acupuncture helps to promote blood circulation, reduce pain stimuli and relax the entire musculoskeletal system, especially in cases of rib hump, which is associated with muscular imbalances and tension in the back area.
Many patients find the treatment beneficial as it supports the effects of physiotherapy and contributes to an overall more balanced body feeling.
Read more: Acupuncture in Frankfurt
We use these injection-based procedures to treat pain and muscular tension. We inject small amounts of a local anaesthetic into specific skin, muscle or nerve segments that are connected to the affected sections of the spine.
In cases of scoliosis and rib humps, this therapy can help to calm overstimulated nerves, relieve muscle tension and interrupt chronic pain impulses. The surrounding tissue relaxes, which often makes other treatment measures more effective.
This breaks the vicious circle of poor posture, muscle tension and pain in the long term.
Read more: Neural therapy in Frankfurt
Traction treatment can be an additional helpful supplement to relieve pain and muscular tension associated with scoliosis. We stretch the spine to relieve pressure on the intervertebral discs, nerves and muscles. This controlled traction can help improve mobility and body awareness and relax the back.
Although traction does not correct the rib hump itself, it helps many sufferers to reduce pain and facilitate general therapy. In combination with targeted training and posture therapies, it can stabilise the spine in the long term and relieve the entire musculoskeletal system.
Find out more: Traction therapy in Frankfurt
Diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis and rib humps in Frankfurt
The treatment of scoliosis requires experience, sensitivity and an individually tailored therapy concept. With us, you benefit from a holistic approach that takes equal account of the spine, the muscles and the overall balance of the body.
We are here for you! Simply contact us to arrange an appointment!
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