Expert: Dr. Man Tran, Ph.D., D.C., L.Ac. - 4/28/2009

Question
My 9 year old son was riding a roller coaster and came off with some chest pain.  When I looked at him closer he had a small bump on his chest towards the middle.  he does not complain about pain or discomfort.  The doctor pushed it in a little but said that that was as good as it was going to get.  I am wondering if this is something my son will have throughout his life or if i should take him to another doctor

Answer
Hi Sherman,

Are you sure it is a rib dislocation?  Was X-ray taken to confirm this?  Also look for any sign of swelling or purplish mark at the bump.

Your son is 9 years old so his skeletal development is still growing and has not yet to be solidified or stiffened.  He has a good chance for the rib to be fixed once it is certain that it is a dislocation.  Perhaps, a second opinion would be appropriate in this case since the first doctor has done his best.

Please note, do not prolong the seek of treatment for your son.  The earlier you can get it fixed, the better his body development will be as he grows.