Rib dysfunction pain can occur at the joints that attach the rib to the spine (called the costotransverse and costovertebral joints) due to trauma, muscle spasm, arthritis, and poor posture. Pain and stiffness is usually located over the ribs and upper back but can sometimes radiate to the shoulder and front chest wall. With rib dysfunction, you may also experience pain when coughing/sneezing/laughing, taking a deep breath, bending forward, or twisting. Your therapist will assess your ribs and create a custom treatment plan to address your pain.