Chiropractors/Broken Ribs

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Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 8/12/2008


Question
I was in a motor home accident in Dec of 2005. I had 5 broken ribs. My question is will I get arthritis in that area. I still have pain even though my ribs are suppose to be healed. When ever I lay on that area or lean up against a hard surface I have discomfort Thank you,

Answer
Dear Sandra,

You shouldn't get arthritis in the area, but you may have callous formations on the bones themselves for a few years.  Arthritis happens in the joint spaces or edges of the bones around the joint spaces.  When you have a fracture away from the joint space,  the bone has to ossify and form a callous to heal the area.  This takes 8 weeks on average to stabilize, but is often prolonged 10-12 weeks with rib or shoulder blade fractures.  

Concerning the ribs, it is common to have torn the surrounding cartilage and soft tissue as well and scaring occurs with that healing.  The area may be painful for months to years afterward and may result in chronic pain. Sometimes steroid injections will lessen the pain and limit the chronic inflammatory reaction.  You may want to explore this option with your doctor.  good Luck.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net  

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Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman

Expertise

I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.

Experience

I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net

Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce

Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. *CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*

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