Expert: Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C. - 6/4/2008

Question
My husband has been unable to work for 1 year due to chest pain. He has had CT scans, MRI's, x-rays and ultrasounds, bone scans and no one can tell why his chest hurts when he moves his arms. He cannot drive for too long, sit, throw football with the kids, fish, weed eat or anything. He worked in a rock quarry running a jackhammer and a rock splitter. He was pulling back on a 2.5 ton rock when this started 2 years ago. He worked until the pain was too bad. We have been through so many tests. They have tried all different kinds of medicines and procedures on him with no luck. They put him on reflux medicine, arthritis medicine, and all kinds and they say his ribs are twisted but nothing showed on the scans he has had.He spends a lot of time lying flat on the floor with his feet up on the sofa. This is the only wqay he gets a little reprieve. Any clue how we can get help for this? I want my husband and our life back.

Answer
Hello Kristen,

   Your husband may want to see a doctor of Chiropractic.  When muscles,ligaments, soft tissues are strained/sprained they can impinge on a nerve or cause subluxations of the spine (Vertebrae to move out of place).  Often displacement of the ribs can cause chest pain and sharp stabbing sensations upon movement, coughing, deep breathing etc. Doctor's of Chiropractic specialize in the biomechanics of the spine, all joints, muscles, ligaments, etc.  After a exam they will be able to determine the cause and proper treatment for your husband.  He may want to see a doctor of Chiropractic who specializes in sport/soft tissue injuries as they will perform myofascial work that can reduce adhesions/scar tissue around the area/s of injury.

Have a great day,
Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.