Question
thank you for helping me with this problem
my grandaughter layed her head back on my chest and i felt a popping stinging sensation above my left breast';';the next day whilst i was moving away from the computer i felt a tearing hot pain go from the top of my chest around under my arm and i could not put my arm down without this cracking popping extreme pain that took my breath';';it felt like my shoulder muscle had come away from my sternum';';;'; i went to the dr who said it was not a cracked rib but cartlidge damage ';;;it is so sore at the top of my breast and feels like it needs to crack
that happened two days ago now the chest area is very sore and i am holding my chest muscles real tight because i am scared it will happen again';';if you touch the spot at the top of breast it hurts like anything the pain also goes around my back of the shoulder . Today i noticed my left arm is hurting too';;'would deep heat help ease the pain?
any information would be appreciated
Helen

Answer
Dear Helen,

The pain is likely muscular tensions between the involved ribs, which go around to the back.  Tight muscles get sore and intense soreness is experienced as pain.

Deep heat is unlikely to help much, as it is unlikely to bring about the needed relaxation, but it might bring you some temporary relief.

I don't think your granddaughter's laying her head on your chest could have caused a rib separation.  If it is that, you may need surgical repair; ask your doctor.  But it may be sufficient to learn to relax your rib muscles.  I use a certain procedure with people to teach them to do so.

As to your arm hurting, the common response to rib pain is to cause the arm and shoulder to pull in to protect the painful area.  The pain is probably muscle fatigue in your arm.

I would suggest you see a somatic educator, who can help you relax the involved muscles.

list of practitioners:  somatics.com/practitioners.htm

with regard,
Lawrence Gold