Expert: David L. Rozeboom, D.C. - 12/28/2006

Question
I have been having a lot of pain from one of my ribs. My doctor suggested I may have a dislocated rib, she doesn't really know, but I had an xray and it appeared normal. I have a lot of back pain in one spot, it's just off my spine, at the base of what I think is my eleventh rib. But, the rib above that one seems like the one that is out of place. It hurts to lean back while driving, or to sit on the couch, or my desk chair. It seems like the rib is almost loose like. When I lean back and put pressure on that spot, it's like it pushes it in, and then I feel pain at the front of my tenth rib. It's like it is pushing it forward because it's loose. Does that make any sense? I've had this pain for about a year now. My doctor said that the cartilage that is supposed to be on the very front of my tenth rib has been broken off, which is why it points outward a little bit. I've been to a chiropractor, but it didn't help. What can be done about a dislocated rib? Am I destined to be with this pain forever? It gets excruciating at times... Is there a test, like a CAT scan that could see a dislocation? Thankyou.

Answer
Kim:

Thanks for writing!

Yes, everything you are going through is consistent with a rib out of place or torn cartilage around the rib.

The first thing to do is to put on a rib belt (drugstore) and drink more water.

Second, the right chiropractor can reset the rib. Go to www.sorsi.com , www.soto-usa.com, www.icak.com and look for a chiropractor near you. Ask them if they adjust  ribs before you make an appointment.

Dr. Rozeboom