Chiropractors/Rib and back pain

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Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 7/7/2007


Question
I was body surfing two days ago and was unfortunate enough to encounter a very nasty wave which essentially slammed my back into the ocean floor. It knocked the wind out of me. Since then my back has been swollen with a pain when I breathe (not a sharp pain but more like a sore muscle pain) My upper right  back is still very tender. I cannot bend over at the waist or twist my torso at all. I had the lifeguards take a look at me and they didn't see any nerve damage or spinal injuries. I am mostly worried about my ribs. I don't hear any pops or feel anything like bone on bone but could I have a bruised or cracked rib, or is this just a lot of muscle pain (I did hit the ocean floor pretty hard) Also I have no insurance right now and I cannot afford a doctors visit. Is there anything I can do to help the healing process? thank you.

Answer
Dear Bryan,

Things such as this usually take a few days to see some appreciable improvement due to the muscle inflammation and spasm after trauma.  At this point your symptoms do not sound serious, but pain is also not a reliable indicator of damage or dysfunction.

My advice, monitor your symptoms for the next few days and make sure that they are improving and not getting worse.  Take NSAIDS for pain when needed and utilize heat such as hot showers and stretching to help regain some of your movement and flexibility back...easy stretches.  Utilize ice for pain control in the really sore areas.  

If you are not improving in two to three days, or if anything starts to get worse, then get to the doctor and have it checked out.  Underlying problems could be there such as a rib fracture which can sometimes be serious although most of the time there is no treatment for it.  Otherwise bruising is a common and normal occurrence after trauma, as well as pain and inflammation.

Remember though, your health is what is most important, whether you have insurance or not.  Monitor your symptoms, your progress or the lack there of, and get to the doctor if things get worse.

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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