Cervical rib
A cervical rib is an extra rib that forms above the first rib, growing from the base of the neck just above the collarbone. It doesn't usually cause problems, but if it presses on nearby nerves and blood vessels, it can cause multiple symptoms, collectively known as thoracic outlet syndrome.
About cervical rib
You can have a cervical rib on the right, left, or on both sides.
It may be a fully-formed bony rib or just a thin strand of tissue fibres.
A cervical rib is an abnormality that's present from birth.
It doesn't usually cause problems.
If it presses on nearby nerves and blood vessels, it can cause thoracic outlet syndrome.
Thoracic outlet syndrome usually starts between 20 and 50 years of age, and is more likely to affect men than women.
Symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome
Not all people with a cervical rib develop thoracic outlet syndrome, and the syndrome can also be caused by other conditions.
Symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome include:
- pain in your neck and shoulder, which spreads into your arm – this may be constant or come and go
- temporary loss of feeling, weakness or tingling in the affected arm and fingers
- temporary inability to carry out fine hand movements – such as doing up buttons
- Raynaud's phenomenon – a condition that affects the blood supply to the fingers and toes, turning them white
- a blood clot that forms in the subclavian artery – which can affect the blood supply to the fingers, causing small red or black patches on the skin
- swelling in the affected arm (although this is rare)
These symptoms vary widely from person to person.
They may be constant or come and go.
Other things that are often the cause of thoracic outlet syndrome include:
- injury from a car accident
- repetitive injury related to sports or work
- pregnancy - women who are pregnant can develop symptoms due to joints becoming much looser during pregnancy, as well as through weight gain in places that put unexpected pressure on these areas
Treating thoracic outlet syndrome
If you have thoracic outlet syndrome, your GP will want to find the cause.
Your GP may refer you for physiotherapy.
Shoulder exercises can help stretch and strengthen the neck area and improve poor posture.
Massage may also help to release any tight or shortened neck tissues.
Seeing an occupational therapist may also be useful for advice about techniques to protect your back and neck while at work.
To relieve any pain and swelling, your GP may prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
If you develop blood clots you may be prescribed thrombolytics to break them up, and anticoagulants to prevent further clots developing.
If these treatments don't help, surgery may be an option.
More useful links
The information on this page has been adapted from original content from the NHS website.
For further information see terms and conditions.