Hello, my name is cheryl and I am also a registered nurse.I had cervical rib on the right and a band tendon on the left.I had to have bilateral cervical rib resections as my symptoms were severe.surgeries were in 2002,2003.It was a very long recovery but I am finally doing better.The only reason I finally got better was because I had 30lb. traction to my neck that put my vertebra where they belonged.Due to the cervical ribs C7 vertebra was locked in an abnormal position, so when they removed the ribs my neck pain went through the roof because the vertebra was dislocated and smashing nerves in my neck.The traction moved C7 into correct position and the bad neck pain stopped.I do think many people with this problem may have the same thing because C7 cant be in correct position because the cervical rib has this vertebra stuck,and it cant move correctly.after the vertebra was put back into place i finally started to heal and recover.I was able to return to work which was so awsome.But something terrible happened and I was assaulted in 2009.I had just gotten better and returned to work for 2 years when I was assaulted by a deranged dentist! I am alittle better now but I am in therapy for PTSD.I have been through a lot in my life but I have not given up yet.I just wanted to say hello,as I think it will help if I can speak to others who understand this stange medical abnormality.I have never spoken with nor met anyone else who has cervical ribs.Nobody understands in my family and many times I have felt like a leper.But I am working hard to get better,and a support group will probably help tremendously.Also I may be able to help others as I understand this condition very well and I know what it feels like.So anyone who has questions feel free to write me.Thanks in advance for replys.