Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 2/25/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have rib heads that keep going out and it makes it hard to breath.  I have spondylosis and scoliosis of the spine. I have gone to chiropractors for over 10 yrs. I have went to physical therapy which only makes it worse.  The rib heads are the ones high up, can they make breathing harder and do you have any suggestions on how to keep the rib heads from coming out?   Thank you Randy

ANSWER: Along with adjusting, muscular issues need to be address.  One technique we find very helpful is myofascial release.  This helps the muscles to "realign" so that they can stop misbehaving.

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QUESTION: Why when I sneeze the rib heads go out? How come sometimes I can put it back in when I lean up against a wall and other times I can't.  What is myofascial release? Do you have any ideas how to get the rib heads in and can it make you short of breath?  thank you randy

Answer
Adjusting can usually realign the rib heads; we do it all the time in our office.  One of the symptoms is sharp pain with a deep breath.  The breathing changes because you change the shape of the ribcage ever so slightly, and mechanically the rib isn't moving right.