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Chiropractors/xiphoid process injury and gerd

Expert: Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP - 9/8/2009

Question
Hi Dr. Gillman,
I'm writing regarding a recent visit to the chiropractor.
My chiropractor tried to adjust me while I was standing and up against the wall. He's done this before with success but this last time he forcefully pressed twice on my front, lower, mid and right rib cage. During and after it felt like the wrong spot but I tried to relax into it hoping for the best. After the adjustment I felt a compressed feeling just under my sternum like it was being pushed on as well as a clenching of my rib cage. My breathing felt restricted and still does now. Also I felt a weird burping gassy feeling in my stomach that kept wanting to move upward. It's been 5 days now and I'm suffering from a bad case of GERD and still the compressed feeling at the base of my sternum. My xiphoid process, once on the surface is now sunken into my chest cavity. I don't know how to proceed with this.
Thanks for your time.
Hope to hear back.
Blaine

Answer
Blaine,

Sometimes accidents happen in manual medicine... If you said you had sharp pains then I'd be more concerned about rib fracture. But a compressed feeling? Restricted breathing? This sounds more like muscular strain. Mention this to your chiropractor and see if simple massage and thoracic spine mobilization and stretching can provide immediate relief. At home, try arching backwards over something, e.g. sofa, or a gym-ball if you have one, to stretch the front of your ribs and you abdominal muscles. Odds are these will help.

'Best,

Dr. G

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Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP

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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.

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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

Publications:

"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

Education/Credentials:

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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