Chiropractors/Back/Rib injury

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Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 4/22/2007


Question
Hi and thank you very much for the website/access.

I recently experienced an injury in hockey where I crashed into the boards.  I hit the boards very hard with the blow taking place on the upper righthand side, just below the shoulder blade...upper rib cage?

Since then I have experienced a fairm amount of pain for 2 weeks and have difficulty drawing a deep breath or bending over.

Could this be bruised ribs?  On my backside?

I'm just surprised that it is still hurting after 2 solid weeks.

Thank you very much.  

Answer
Dear Brady,

I will keep this quick and to the point.  GO GET EXAMINED!

What you have described is one of the most common ways to fracture the ribs.  It is also the most common area to get a fracture of the rib ( on the lateral aspect of the body)..this is where the ribs are the weakest due to the anatomical structure.  I am positive that you have deeply bruised them, but if you have a fracture, although there isn't much you can do for it, it is important to know. If any rib is displaced at all, you may need surgery to pin it because the ribs are very sharp when fractured and can puncture the lung...that could be very bad, even life threatening.  Get it checked out to be sure!

Now, I am obviously playing devils advocate, but it is better to be safe than sorry and make sure that there isn't any significant damage.  Rib injuries can produce significant and continued pain due to the fact that breathing will continually aggravate the issue.  

Good Luck.
Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net

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Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman

Expertise

I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.

Experience

I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net

Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce

Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. *CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*

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