Expert: Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C. - 1/13/2009

Question
I'm 16 year old and a few months ago someone pulled on my arm and my rib dislocated. (i'm assuming its dislocated by what i've read on the internet so far)

its the rib either closest to my collar bone or 2nd closest. i can't tell. its on my right side.

i felt no pain, just discomfort.
it stayed this way for about a day and wouldn't pop back into place.. then it gradually went back to normal. then it happened again. so i began to get concerned and went to the ER and they just kind of brushed it off as nothing.

well after that it began to pop out of place randomly when i laughed hard, moved quickly etc. but as soon as it popped out (you can hear it) it would pop back in when i moved my arm a certain way.
you can even see the bone kind of curved out on my chest.
Its really very irratating.

so i went to my family doctor and she seemed concerned so she made me an appointment with an opthmolagist(bone doctor? not sure how to spell it). i havent been yet but the fact that she said that they may have to go in, break it, then put it into place, kind of scared me so i was wondering if you knew anything about this and maybe if there are other treatments?

Answer
Hello Erica,

  You may want to see a Doctor of Chiropractic first!  Doctors of Chiropractic specialize in the biomechanics (movement) of the spine, joints, muscles, and all bones in the human body.  Chiropractors are the only Doctors in the world licensed and board certified to adjust (move back into the correct position) spine or any joints, ribs etc.  A Doctor of Chiropractic will be able to diagnose your condition and correlate a treatment plan.

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