Question
For 3 years I have had a pain which is I think - in my
muscles around the right ribs and this radiates up and
around to the spot between the shoulder blade and the
spine. Pressing muscles there is very painful. The pain also
affects some internal muscles such as the right psoas. I had
many medical tests to rule out organ problems but nothing
was found. I have regular chiro adjustments and have also
tried Active Release Therapy which hurts lots but did not
help. Icing is the only thing that provides some relief. Any
suggestions would be very welcome... thks...

Answer
Hi, Robert,

You're describing what sounds like tight intercostal (between the ribs) muscles.  Have you had a blow to the right side?

Such tension can displace ribs and cause the rotatores (muscles that attach ribs to vertebrae) to be activated in a postural self-correction reflex.  (pain between shoulders)

It doesn't surprise me that chiropractic has failed, as it doesn't do anything to retrain the brain-muscle connection, and retrain is the operative word (not "adjust").

I would suggest that you contact a practitioner of somatic education (see the PRACTITIONERS link at somatics.com, top of page).

I don't have any self-care materials to recommend for your particular problem.

Feel free to contact me at 505 699-8284.

Lawrence Gold