The body has 12 pairs of ribs, each of which is attached to the spine in the back. In the front, the top seven pairs of ribs are connected to the breastbone by pieces of cartilage.
The next three pairs of ribs are not connected to the sternum, but to the ribs above them, also by cartilage.
Rib pain can occur from direct trauma, compression, sudden twisting, excessive coughing, or from overtraining in football, wrestling, boxing, hockey, baseball, cycling, rowing, golfing, dance, or gymnastics.
Symptoms of rib injuries may include rib pain with deep breathing, laughing, coughing, and movement.
