Chiropractors/Rib and back pain

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Expert: - 3/4/2008


Question
I have had rib and back pain for years.  I went to two medical doctors and had my gallbladder removed.  The pain just got worse after the operation.  My husband finally convinced me to go to his chiropractor.  He did a scan of my spine and took X-rays.  He said my spine is way out of whack and my ribs are messed up to.  I started going 2 weeks ago.  I have been going 3 times a week for alignments.  I was having a little less pain for a couple of days.  He didn't adjust my ribs last visit and the pain became worse again.  When I went back today he said my ribs popped out again.  He did another adjustment on my ribs, along with my neck and back.  He said I am a mess and it will take awhile to straighten my spine out.  I sit working on a computer all day which I'm sure isn't helping me.  I am a smoker and was concerned about lung cancer at one point.  I did have several chest X-rays and they said they were all clear.  The MD's told me the pain was from acid reflux.  My question is, do you think a chiropractor will be able to help me.

Answer
Tina,

DC's commonly help people with  back and rib pain using hands on joint manipulation, mobilization, and a variety of soft tissue methods.  Also, for some, exercise and strengthening is helpful.  Quite simply, if you are not getting any sustained relief after a few weeks of treatment, then you and the doctor must address what is going on.  If the exact same treatment is being applied then maybe that's the problem.   If you need to exercise then maybe it's that.  But to continue to do the same thing over and over but expect different results...

'Hope this helps.  

Dr. G

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Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP

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21 Years in practice: I can answer any question regarding chiropractic and sports medicine treatment. Mostly, I can help the unknowing public understand what is safe, valid, reasonable and evidence-based, and what kinds of unscrupulous chiropractors and fraudulent methods to stay away from. I have an advanced specialty degree in Chiropractic Sports Medicine. I have experience treating elite and Olympic athletes.

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