You are here:
- Home
- Health/Fitness
- Back and Neck Injury/Chronic Pain
- Chiropractors
- Sterium Cartlidge Injury
Chiropractors/Sterium Cartlidge Injury
Advertisement
Question
About 17 years ago I injured my cartlidge in the sterium area in a ranching accident. I have gone to numerous doctors over the years with discomfort and difficulty breathing. At times it is severe. There are times when I sneeze or stretch and the cartlidge pops, which gives me some relief. I have had limited success with anti inflammatory drugs. We live in a very humid area which makes my condition worse. Is there any treatment or medication that would heal or improve my condition?
Dear Bill,
Chronic injury concerning cartilagenous structures is a very common problem. The reason is cartilage has a poor blood supply which limits its ability to receive proper oxygenation and nutrient delivery for repair. In relation to your injury you most likely have alignment problems with the sternum and the head of the ribs that articulate with it.
The reason I say that is because you mentioned that it may pop from time to time which gives you a measure of relief. When this happens it is due to a fixation of the rib head against the sternum and it restricts the normal movement of the ribcage.
Many times this restriction problem can be corrected with spinal manipulation or rib manipulation and many times both. This is due to the fact that a rib has two heads, one which connects to the stenum and one that connects to the associated vertebra. Therefore it has two seperate and distinct areas that can be involved making the restriction compounded in the front of the ribcage and the back. Chiropractic care can definitely help this condition. I have personally seen patients with rib articulation problems that result in breathing difficulties as well as pain. They always respond favorably with care, and many improve with only a few adjustments.
The reason humidity can make the problem worse is because atmospheric pressure changes with the levels of moisture staturation in the air. This is called a rise or fall in barometric pressure. This changes the pressure on your already compromised rib cage capacity and is how pain and symptoms can be increased.
My advise to you is seek out a good Chiropractic physician in your area, and schedule a consultation with he or she to discuss your problem. Ask peolpe you trust for a referral. Explain to the doctor what I have described and if they treat ribs...most chiropractors do, but some shy away from rib adjusting. Ask them to expain their treatment and make an informed decision on following through with treatment.
Respectfully, Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
- Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP
- Dr. Paul Newhart
- Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP
- Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C.
- Gerald Anzalone, D.C.
- David Kulla, DC
- Robert A. Arnone, DC
- Keith E. Biggs, DC
- John Quackenbush DC
- Dr. Timothy K. Durnin
- Dr. Man Tran, Ph.D., D.C., L.Ac.
- Timothy A. Peck, DC
- J.R. Strecker, B.S., D.C.
- Dr. Nekessa Remy
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*
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.