Chiropractors/back pain

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Question
On Friday morning I woke up with severe pain in my left side of the back. The pain is associated with most movement and when I breathe. The pain is very acute. I have had rib our before but not this badly or this long. I am taking a long flight in two days. What can I do, the spasms are very painful.

Answer
Bill,

It's now Sunday.  See if you can get in to your chiropractor first thing Monday am.  Drugs kill pain - so contact your primary care physician's office and see if they can prescribe something.  For at home, you can try some of the standard exercises (see: www.fixyourownback.com).   Also, you can try laying on the floor against a firm object, e.g. a softball or basketball, to see if you can massage-out any tight spots.   Ice down: that kills pain, too, but ice will not affect your inevitable outcome.  See:  www.drgillman.com, the "How To" tab on how to apply ice.   Sometimes the combination of ice, vigorous massage, a few key exercises, heat, analgesic rubs (e.g. tiger balm or biofreeze) can get you over the hump.   Wrap-around back supports also can reduce your pain.  You simply have to try them and see if it reduces your symptoms or not.  

'Hope this helps.

Dr. G

Chiropractors

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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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