Question
I am curently doing cross country righr now. I was wondering why me left bottom rib looks popped out. It sends sharp pains randomly on and off. Usually when it does that i have to lay down and take short breaths or else it really hurts. Is it bad that I continue to run while my rib looks popped out? Also with my rib i can push on it and it like moves when i do thay. i am wondering what i shpuld do about this. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks for you time.

Answer
Hi Lili,

It sounds like you are straining your rib as you run, causing a muscular reaction (where it gets tight) and/or some irritation (with or without swelling), and this is making your rib hurt.  I also wonder if you have any scoliosis.    Have someone take a look at this by doing a scoliosis check.  The simplest way is to stand straight and see if your hips and shoulders are level, and then to bend forward to touch your toes and see if your spine is straight.   If it is curved more than just a little, then you will have some ribs become prominent on one side.  If your spine is straight, then there will be symmetry from left to right of your ribs.  In other words, you would be able to lay a stick across your back and it would be horizontal.   Here is a web site that shows the process: www.scoliosiscare.org/screen.html    Whether you have scoliosis driving a repetitive strain to your ribs, or not, you should get checked out by a sports chirorpactor, one that has training in soft tissue evaluation and treatment (see the Graston Technique video - triathlete video on my web site).   www.acbsp.com is a good place to start.  You could possibly have a simple soft tissue adhesion or combination of adhesion and joint dysfunction that also is causing strain to your ribs when you run.   

'Hope this was helpful.

Dr. G'
www.drgillman.com