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Few surgeons spend the time and effort to do a complete job.
The muscles of the upper chest and neck form a scissors like action against the 1st rib, compressing the nerves and vascular structures between the 1st rib and clavicle. If the rib is not resected at the level of the spine it can grow back or form a mass of scar tissue which can be worse than the rib was. If the surgeon only removes the rib and fails to look for abnormal muscle bands compressing the nerves and vascular structures, the patient will only have temporary relief. Physical therapy, time, stretching, ice, and prayers will not relieve the compression of the nerves. Heat does help to relax the surrounding muscles and ice can help to relieve the pain and swelling.