What is cervical rib?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My daughter is a 6-year-old. She always complains that she feels some pain in the back side of her neck. We have checked with an orthopedic surgeon. From her x-ray, he said that this is due to a cervical rib, an extra bone in the neck. Please suggest regarding this.

Answered by Dr. Shakti Amar Goel

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The cervical rib is an extra rib above the first rib. Nothing needs to be done as of now and she needs to be reassured. If the rib causes serious problems like arterial compression or nerve pressure in the future, then it can be removed by surgical methods. As of now, I would recommend just reassurance and some analgesics. Please wait and watch. Thank you.

Thank you.

Was this conversation helpful?

Answered by Dr. Shakti Amar Goel

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team

November 1, 2016

December 25, 2023

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

2,474Visits prepared today

4.8/5User rating

~60 secAverage completion time

Companion

Cervical Rib in Children Symptoms & Management Companion

How it works

A cervical rib is an extra rib that forms above the first rib, near the neck. It is a congenital anomaly, meaning it is present from birth. While often harmless, it can sometimes cause symptoms.