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Chiropractors/possible fractured sternum
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Question
My 13 year son plays football and has been complaining for a few weeks
about his sternum. Last night he hurt it even worse in his football game. He
contunies to play regardless of how he feels. Its gotten to the point he can't
breathe very well when laying down, sitting up is when he feels best and can
breathe ok. What can I do to help him? How do you help heal a fractured
sternum? Is it comparable to a cracked tail bone, you just have to let it heal
on its own? What should I do to have it heal properly and help with the pain?
Elisa,
First, how do you know he has a cracked sternum? Was there an xray or CT scan? If there is any fracture of the sternum or rib and any fragments or protrusions against the soft tissues that surround the heart or lungs, then he may be at risk for hemothorax or worse... Is his pain at the connection between his clavical and sternum? While it is rare, the sternoclavicular joint can dislocate posteriorly, and will cause difficulty breathing as well as pain. You really need to pull him from the game and have his condition examined. I'd suggest first going straight to the orthopedic physician's office. He may need a chest CT scan to be sure about nothing endangering his heart or lungs. This is not something to take lightly.
'Regards,
Dr. G
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Answers by Expert:
- Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP
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- Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP
- Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C.
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- Dr. Timothy K. Durnin
- Dr. Man Tran, Ph.D., D.C., L.Ac.
- Timothy A. Peck, DC
- J.R. Strecker, B.S., D.C.
- Dr. Nekessa Remy
Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP
Expertise
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.
Experience
Experience:
- 21 years in practice;
- Pan American Games, 2011: Official Medical Staff for the Pan Am Games.
- Beijing 2008 Olympic Games: World Olympians Associan and International Sports Chiropractic Association Healthcare Team;
- International Chiropractic Sports Sciences Diploma;
- Official Provider: Jamaican Track and Field team for Penn Relays (2009-2011)
- Experience with USA Gymnastics Healthcare team and International Powerlifting Association Medical Staff;
- 300 hour chiropractic sports medicine diplomate degree (DACBSP); International Chiropractic Sports Sciences Diploma (ICSSD)
- Healthcare Consultant: Century, Ty-Wood Corp. Holliston, MA (2005-2007)
- Team Chiropractor: Boston Bulldogs USL D-3 & Boston Renegades USL W-1 League (1999-2004)
- Independent Examiner: Scope Medical and The Physician's Network
- Professional/Clinical Monitor: Affiliated Monitors, Inc.
- Board of Directors: MetroWest Chamber of Commerce (Massachusetts)2000-2006
- "The Impact of Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy on Chronic Recurrent Lateral Ankle Sprain Syndrome in Two Young Athletes" J. of Chiro Med , Fall 2004
- "Work Related Injury;" The Hanover Report, June, 1993
- "Long Lasting Analgesic Effect of Oxymorphonazine in Rats;" Agonists and Antagonists III, n.7675, 1985
- BS Biology, Doctor of Chiropractic: Northwestern College of Chiropractic,
- Diplomate: American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (DACBSP)
Education/Credentials
Doctor of Chiropractic Diplomate: American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians
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