Expert: Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C. - 7/25/2006

Question
Hi,
     My name is Pranav and I am 25 yrs old..I have been having pain in my left ribcage /back for last 3 months.It all started when I slept on my couch at a very bad angle and I woke up the next morning with my back hurting a great deal..Slowly I realized my left ribcage hurt on hiccuping, laughing, sneezing, yawning..Initially it was really bad...Lot of times I had to stop my sneeze half way...Over the time it has got better....But my back /ribcage still hurts slightly on hiccuping and yawning...The thing is my back/ribcage hurts only while yawning, hiccuping, sneezing etc. otherwise everything is very normal...Also the mattress I sleep on is too spongy...I wanted to know what could be the cause of this pain? Also should I change my mattress?

thanks
Pranav

Answer
Hello Pranav,

    You may have subluxated a rib, this means the joint where the rib meets the spine has moved slightly out of place.  This  is why when you expand your rib cage/sneeze/hiccup, you have pain.  You may want to see a doctor of chiropractic to adjust/move the rib back into place and relieve the pressure and restore proper functioning of the joint.  Also you are right a better mattress will help your condition and support your spine!

Have a great day,
DR. Brendon O'Brien D.C.