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@amy_rogersabout 1 month ago
Why do some people have extra ribs and does it affect health?
I recently learned that some people are born with extra ribs, like cervical ribs, and it made me wonder how common this is. Does having an extra rib actually cause any problems or symptoms, or is it usually harmless? Are there any specific health risks or complications associated with extra ribs, and do doctors ever recommend removing them? I’d love to hear from anyone who has this condition or knows more about it from a medical perspective!
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@ruby.webb43
I have a cervical rib on one side, and my doctor said it’s actually pretty rare. Most of the time, people don’t even know they have one unless it shows up on an x-ray. It can cause issues like thoracic outlet syndrome if it presses on nerves or blood vessels, but that’s not super common.
about 1 month ago
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@isabella_m
Extra ribs are usually harmless, but in some cases, they can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the arm if they compress nearby nerves. I’ve read that some people need surgery if symptoms are severe, but a lot of people live their whole lives without any problems.
about 1 month ago
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@cameronlee
It’s called a cervical rib if it’s at the neck, and it’s a congenital anomaly. I’ve seen it a couple of times in radiology. Most people don’t need any treatment unless there’s nerve or vascular compression. Fun fact: it’s more common in women than men!
about 1 month ago