Chiropractors/Cracked rib from massage?

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Expert: - 9/18/2007


Question
My friend had me lay on my stomach on the floor and told me he could crack my upper back because it had been hurting me. He pushed down on each side of my upper back and I felt it crack which felt good at first but then I guess he continued pushing down too hard for a moment and I had tremendous pain in a spot on my right upper ribcage. I couldn't breath or speak for about 20 seconds, then I ended up crying because it hurt so much.
That was 4 days ago, I feel a lot of pain in one spot on the bone of my upper right ribcage that radiates outwards, I have to be very careful when I bend down or twist my waist and I can't lay on my back or the pain is crushing, sometimes I reach for something and gasp and freeze because I get the sharp pain there. It is almost but not quite as bad as the same kind of pain I experienced from a broken rib a few years ago and am wondering if he could have actually broken/cracked/or bruised my rib unintentionally?

Answer
Melissa,

Yes, this sounds exactly like a cracked rib or a sprain to the zone where the rib meets the cartilage at your chest.  X-ray evaluation is the first place to start if you want to investigate whether or not there is a fracture.  If there is a small fracture, then there's nothing you can do except wait it out.   If it is a rib/cartilage sprain, then that, too, is one you will have to wait out (it could take a few weeks before the pain stops).  If there is a significant fracture with displacement of the bone, then it could become a medical issue, so if you remain in a lot of pain then it is worthwhile getting it xray'd.  

'Good luck.

Dr. G

p.s.  Don't let amateurs crack your back...  See a professional that is, first and foremost, a doctor, vis. your chiropractor...

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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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