Understanding Cervical Ribs

What Is a Cervical Rib?

A cervical rib is an extra rib that develops above the first normal rib, in the neck region. This is a congenital condition (present from birth) that affects approximately 1% of the population.

Key Points

• Cervical ribs develop from the seventh cervical vertebra (C7)
• Can occur on one or both sides of the neck
• Many people with cervical ribs have no symptoms
• More common in females than males

Symptoms

When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Numbness or tingling in the arms and hands
• Weakness in the hands
• Reduced pulse in the affected arm
• Cold sensations in the hands

Complications

The main complication is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS), which occurs when the cervical rib compresses:

1. Blood vessels
2. Nerves
3. Both vessels and nerves

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:

• Physical examination
• X-rays
• CT scan or MRI (if needed)
• Nerve conduction studies

Treatment Options

Conservative Treatment

• Physical therapy
• Pain management
• Posture modification
• Activity modification

Surgical Treatment

If conservative treatment fails, surgical removal (resection) of the cervical rib may be necessary.

When to Seek Medical Care

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Persistent neck or shoulder pain
• Ongoing numbness or tingling in arms/hands
• Weakness in hands
• Reduced circulation in arms

Prognosis

The outlook is generally good with appropriate treatment. Many people can manage symptoms with conservative measures alone.