Episode 115 : “1st Rib self-mobilization” FIRST RIB STIFFNESS & HYPOMOBILITY is often the culprit of shoulder & neck pain, it is easily overlooked due to hiding under your oversized upper traps. The 1st rib goes from your first thoracic vertebra around to your sternum. Thus when stiff can alter thoracic and scapular mechanics. The brachial plexus (a network of nerves running from your spine down your arms) is running directly over the 1st rib, thus when ELEVATED you can see how pressure is put o