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
Without a proper exam in person, I am just speculating, but it does sound like a rib issue.  But it could also be related to muscle strain.  There are 2 major muscles that attach in that area, the quadratus lumborum and the psoas.  Both are major trunk movers and can strain easily if not in proper condition.  I see many of patients with similar complaints and that is what I find on them.  Stretching and strengthen each of those muscle should help.  I know you have tried chiropractic, but not all chiropractic is the same.  I am a member of a group of chiropractors that uses many different techniques to treat a specific problem.  It's difficult to explain in writing, easier to show in person.  If you are interested, go to www.sorsi.com to locate a doctor near you, or you can go to your other chiropractor and ask if they can work on those areas I mentioned.  If you are in Minnesota near the Twin Cities or if you have any other question or concerns, please email me.

Dr. Starbuck