Typically, no. Unless the cause was an accident or other trauma (which would be visible on an x-ray), a rib restriction is just that, a restriction (usually not viewable on x-ray) and can be corrected with chiropractic manipulation. Have your chiropractor examine you and adjust what he finds.

Not necessarily. However, ribs do subluxate often and may be very painful when they do. Please call for a consultation.

It depends on the definition of “slipped.” There is “dislocated” and that does show up on X-ray. There is “subluxated,” which is less than a dislocation, more like misaligned and that is more difficult to observe on X-ray. Palpation of the ribs is more definitive for motion issues with the costovertebral joints. A combination of palpation and X-ray is the best diagnostically.

Yes, they can show up on X-ray. It is a relatively tricky diagnosis as ribs can be difficult to see on imaging whether it be an X-ray or CT scan. If you feel like you do have a slipped rib, X-ray would be the first place to start.

Usually a rib head out of place on xray

This can be very hard to visualize on X-ray because of the other overlapping structures in the rib area. Difficulty breathing deeply is a hallmark sign of a slipped rib.