Chiropractors/protruding ribs on one side

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Expert: - 3/26/2007


Question
hi there... i am a 36 year old male. i have been having back pain on my left (mid-upper) side in varying degrees for about 7 weeks. i noticed several months ago that my ribs at the bottom on my left side stick out a bit further than my right side. i went to my doctor for the back pain and she said i had muscle spasms and gave me robaxin which didn't do much. i should mention that at the time i saw her about a month ago i didn't mention the ribs. i have horrible posture that i am trying to improve. the pain is worse at night and in the morning. i suffer from bad anxiety that i am being treated for and this is just driving me nuts! someone mentioned to me this weekend that i may need to see a chiropractor and that a protruding ribcage is not terribly strange. i did smack my ribs into a book shelf about 4 months ago in that spot but really had no pain at the time, just a small scar from the skin wound. please help with any advice you may have!! thanks in advance and sorry for the length of my post.  

Answer
Gregg,

First, it may be that your banging into your ribs left its mark as some muscular induration or tesion. I doubt that you had frank spasm, and would have you ask your PCP to point out exactly what is spasmed (spasm is a forceful, splinting, engagement of muscles).  If you know that your posture is bad, then there may be some question of scoliosis or curvature to your spine that would likely cause your ribs to protrude.  A simple posture eval' could highlight this, whereby forward bending would show a rib hump.  Assuming you have no underlying bone, joint, or serious metabolic diseases, you should be safe to treat.  A good chiropractor will combine stretching, joint manipulation, and soft tissue/massage methods to get you feeling better.  

'Hope this helps.

Dr. G

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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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