How do you know if you have an extra cervical rib?
Symptoms. If the extra rib does press on a vessel or nerve, you may have any of the following symptoms: pain in the shoulder and neck, which spreads into the arm: this may come and go or be constant. moments where you lose feeling and have weakness or tingling in the affected arm and fingers.
What causes extra cervical rib?
Cervical rib syndrome is a congenital (present from birth) condition and is caused by an extra growth of bone (or ‘rib’) that is present in the lower cervical spine (neck). This can often be present without causing symptoms.
How common is an extra cervical rib?
Cervical rib: A cervical rib is an extra rib that grows from the cervical spine — the neck part of the spine. Between 1 and 3 percent of the population has a cervical rib, which may grow on one side or both, and may reach down to attach to the first rib or may not be fully formed.
Can having an extra rib cause problems?
Thankfully, in most cases cervical ribs do not cause any problems for those born with them, but if it presses on nearby nerves and blood vessels it can cause neck pain, numbness in the arm and other symptoms, which collectively is known as thoracic outlet syndrome.
Can you have an extra rib on one side?
A cervical rib is an extra rib that forms above the first rib, growing from the base of the neck just above the collarbone. You can have a cervical rib on the right, left, or on both sides.
What problems can a cervical rib cause?
A cervical rib is an abnormality that’s present from birth. It’s not usually a problem, but if it presses on nearby nerves and blood vessels, it can cause neck pain, numbness in the arm and other symptoms. This is known as thoracic outlet syndrome.
Why do I have 2 extra ribs?
A cervical rib in humans is an extra rib which arises from the seventh cervical vertebra. Their presence is a congenital abnormality located above the normal first rib. A cervical rib is estimated to occur in 0.2% to 0.5% (1 in 200 to 500) of the population.