QuestionI am 52 and have degenerative disk disorder in my neck and am in the beginning stages of osteoporosis.
In the past 18 months, I have been to my chiropractor three times for what he calls "slipped ribs" in my neck area. This week, I was there for the fourth time and there were two "slipped ribs" - one in my neck and one in my lower shoulder area. This was the result of poor bio-mechanics and heavy lifting at work. But the scary part is that I had no warning that I was doing anything wrong until the pain began late that evening. Chest tightness, locked right jaw, pain in shoulder area (front and back), pain on breathing deep, couldn't move head to the right, etc. This was the worst event thus far.
Three questions:
(1) Why are my ribs suddenly slipping and does this have a technical term?
(2) Are there exercises I can do at home to help prevent this?
(3) What is most important to prevent this at work? (Proper ergonomics/bio-mechanics, weight lifting limit, centering loads during lifting, etc.)
This was scary and I am willing to do whatever I can in the way of prevention.
Answerslipped ribs, degenerative disc, degenerative disk, staten island degenerative disc, staten island pain, staten island arthritis, staten island pain,
Hello Nancy,
I am sorry to hear of your problem. Thank You for your question, I will try to give you some helpful information. If I do not answer your question, if you need further info--- do not hesitate to recontact me here at AllExperts.com: http://www.allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm
Let me start at the beginning of your question/ description:
You state: ".....I am 52 and have degenerative disk disorder in my neck and am in the beginning stages of osteoporosis....".
In my Staten Island Chiropractic office I have helpful handout information sheets- perhaps this will be helpful to you:
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Degenerative Disk Disease
( DDD, DJD, OA )
Degenerative Disc, Degenerative Joint Disease, progressive OsteoArthritic Degeneration
Degenerative Disc Disease (old term = DJD) is actually a quite common condition.
However, the course of the condition is highly variable. Some patients with DJD literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar X-ray/ MRI findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights. Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months.
Although the course is highly variable, there are certain steps that are always helpful to follow: Ice the area when painful- 10/ 15minutes on, 30/ 45 minutes off; avoid certain postures and movements; bend the knees when coughing or sneezing; bend the knees when lifting anything; do not extend legs straight out when sitting, laying down, lifting, or driving.
Avoiding certain movements and postures will prevent aggravation of the condition. Practicing good postures and movement patterns will help the condition heal and be less painful. Degenerative disk disease, degenerative joint disease, deteriorating discs (disk) is/ are often caused by, or often concurrent with the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation?
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of joints, and can cause osteo-arthritic degeneration, Degenerative Disk Disease, degenerative joint disease, etc.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
Subluxation is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology:
This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
Neuropathophysiology:
Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
Myopathology:
Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
Histopathology:
A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.
Pathophysiology:
The VSC contributes to OsteoArthritic degeneration. Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position. When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition. Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, Disk Degeneration, or aggravate such conditions.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine ; Selected to provide care to US Olympians at the US Olympic Training Center 2010 ( USOC OTC ) ; Chiropractor to the Championship NYPD Football Team
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Degenerative disc disease is not a 'disease'. DDD or DJD is NOT a function of age, not a function of 'growing older'. I have patients in my office well into their 60's, 70's, even their 80's --- with a minimum of joint deterioration.
These people have generally lived a moderate lifestyle; not sedentary- where their joints 'waste away' from too little stimulation, and not crazy active- where they run several marathons every year. A moderate lifestyle INCLUDES exercise, includes activity such as sports.
People with a MINIMUM of DJD, a minimum of joint deterioration have a good, anti-inflammatory diet, and are appropriately active. When injured these patients seek the help of someone like a Doctor of Chiropractic to RESTORE proper alignment and motion to the injured joint. Joints are like the tires on the front end of a car. If you drive your car while the alignment is off, or the tires out of balance,,,, the tires wear out MUCH faster; when our joints are out of alignment, do not move properly--- our joints wear out faster!
Just as our front end of the car needs proper alignment and movement; so does our joints. I know of no other discipline so concerned with joint alignment and movement as is Chiropractic! Those patients who have entered their 60's, 70's, 80's with a minimum of joint degeneration have practiced PREVENTIVE maintenance upon their body!
Another informative handout that I give to my Staten Island Arthritis patients has to do with the side effects of pain medications, again- this may be helpful to you:
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PAIN
Pain is a 憆ed light on the dashboard?
RED LIGHT = Trouble !!
Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.
Think you should listen??
That RED LIGHT on the dashboard of your car-
-- do you ignore it until the car breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
pain in your body-
-- do you ignore it until your body breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
do you cover up the pain by taking a painkiller?
Take a painkiller,
mask the pain,
and allow a problem to progress in your body?
Pain Killing medication??? = 16,000 deaths ( probably under-reported )
DEATH ! ? ! ? better watch out on those medications!!!
NOTICE ON PAIN RELIEVERS:
Label changes ORDERED by FDA; the FDA announced proposed label changes for OTC over-the-counter pain relievers to include the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage (FDA news 206- 207; 12-9-06) ;
SIXTEEN THOUSAND DEATHS: "Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective medications for the treatment of many chronically painful medical conditions. However, it is estimated that 25% of all serious adverse drug reactions involve NSAIDs, with more than 100,000 hospitalizations and 16,000 deaths occurring annually due to NSAID-induced gastrointestinal (GI) events."----- http://hhc.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/13/6/468 Home Health Care Management & Practice, Vol. 13, No. 6, 468-475 (2001) Motrin, Advil = NSAIDS
The American Heart Association issued a scientific statement recommending medical doctors change the way they prescribe OTC pain relievers from a first choice to an alternate of recommending non-pharmacologic treatment (AHA statement 2-26-07).
NSAID Acceleration of ARTHRITIS; an important side effect of Aspirin and other NSAIDS is that it will inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate cartilage destruction ( Journal of Rheumatology, 1982; 9: 3- 5 ). Many times people take NSAIDS for the pain of Arthritis, not realizing these drugs may make the underlying condition worse. These medications cover up the pain, and cause the problem to worsen.
http://rinf.com/alt-news/business-news/prescription-drugs-kill-300-percent-more-...
= An analysis of 168,900 autopsies conducted in Florida in 2007 found that three times as many people were killed by legal drugs as by cocaine, heroin and all methamphetamines put together. BE CAREFUL WITH THAT MEDICATION !!!
It was reported in 2000, that 700,000 U.S. citizens die as a result from medical causes (iatrogenics). Of course, other records and statistics had the number above the one million mark. Whether 700,000 or one million people, that's a lot of innocent people dying from visiting a hospital and trusting a medical doctor.= http://www.dherbs.com/articles/iatrogenics-99.html
Pain can often be the result of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation is actually a quite common condition. Doctors of Chiropractic look for pathological conditions which may require referral to other specialties, and also look for 慡ubluxation? Other disciplines look for pathology, but overlook the importance of alignment and movement in the spine which affects our nervous system (the master control system- ALL health disciplines learn this). VSC- 慡ubluxation??can be the cause of many symptoms and conditions.
Only a Doctor of Chiropractic will evaluate and treat for VSC, as well as other pathology.
The course of VSC is highly variable. Some patients with VSC literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights. Some patients immediately develop symptoms related to the VSC, some patients take years to develop symptoms. Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months. Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending upon severity of the condition.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position. When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition. Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomate, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine ; Invited to Colorado Springs (Olympic Training Center) to Care for USA Olympic Athletes 2010 ; Chiropractor to the Championship NYPD Football Team, and the PSAL High School Football Champions (Curtis)
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You can see that the research shows that Pain Medications can not only HASTEN arthritic degeneration, but cause other side effects as well! Be very caustious when taking meds, even over the counter meds!
Osteoporosis-- or a 'minimum' of osteoporosis should be addressed NOW. Proper supplementation, proper weight bearing exercise should be commenced to slow or stop the progression of 'brittle bones'!
You state: ".....In the past 18 months, I have been to my chiropractor three times for what he calls "slipped ribs" in my neck area. This week, I was there for the fourth time and there were two "slipped ribs" - one in my neck and one in my lower shoulder area. This was the result of poor bio-mechanics and heavy lifting at work......".
If I read your description correctly,,,, you have been to the Chiropractic Doctor four (4) times in the last eighteen (18) months for your 'slipped rib' complaint.
This does not seem like an excessive amount of visits, especially when you state;
".....This was the result of poor bio-mechanics and heavy lifting at work....". You KNOW that you lift improperly. Heavy lifting AND poor biomechanics will certainly result in injury. That you get better so quickly points to the effectiveness of your Doctor! Four visits over eighteen months for admittedly injurious posture/ movement/ activity does not sound that bad to me.
I hate to sound harsh,,,,, but---- practice better body biomechanics, practice proper posture, utilize better movement patterns, lighten the load,,,, If we engage in activities that overstress our body, we injure our body. Unfortunately (unless we hit the lottery) we often have to continue working in a job, in an activity that can cause injury; but we must do all we can to minimize that motion, minimize that posture or position that causes the trauma.
I have many sports/ athletic patients. The testbooks AND practice have taught me that, unfortunately,,,, once injured, always problematical. Trainers use the phrase- 'once taped, always taped'. Once we injure a body part, that part is prone to re-injury. With every re-injury, we build in more instability. Unless we REALLY work at proper treatment, proper rehabilitation,,,, that sprain/ strain/ slip WILL return. Unless we stop the injurious activity,,, the injury will re-appear.
".....But the scary part is that I had no warning that I was doing anything wrong until the pain began late that evening. ....."- Usually our body does give us a warning, a >snap<, crackle, pull, pop, twinge will let us know that---- it may not hurt NOW, but we are gonna hurt tomorrow!!! Be aware of your postures/ motions/ activities. If you think it is 'going to hurt'-- alter the position, the movement, the activity! Use the PRICE protocol at the first hint of soreness or pain (see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zr20Tlm5py4 ).
Again, an information handout I utilize for my Staten Island Pain patients:
++++++++++++++++++++
P.R.I.C.E. = P protection. R rest. I ice. C compression. E elevation.
Hurt yourself ?? injury/ trauma/ bruise/ not even sure - - a broken bone ??
You should certainly get to the Doctor or trained health professional to be examined if you think it is bad enough.
BUT
in the meantime, some simple steps may help.
PRICE.
The PRICE protocol will usually help just about any musculoskeletal injury.
P = Protection; protect the area from further injury- stop what you are doing, can you
pad or bandage the area ? Tape the area? Do something to protect the area !
R = Rest; rest the area as much as possible, if a part is damaged, give the body time to
repair the area
I = Ice; ice is a potent anti-inflammatory; it will slow swelling, help with pain control
(ice is analgesic), place ice over cloth over the injured area for 5, 10 minutes, off the
injured area for 30 minutes; then back on again ( please do NOT use heat, heat adds to edema->
heat feels good while it is on,,,, and often makes the condition WORSE after you take heat off )
C = Compression; to help prevent swelling compression may be helpful- for example
if it is an ankle, wrap the ankle with an ace bandage and ice the area. Many body
parts may not be applicable to compression.
E = Elevation; again to fight swelling and pain, raising the injured body part above the
heart may be helpful- ie raise an ankle or knee, you lay down, raise the injured part
PRICE may help : Sprains, Strains, musculo-skeletal injury, bruise, contusion
Sometimes a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, athletic injury, or a motor vehicle accident can cause a bump or bruise, sprain or strain. Sometimes also involved with the injury is a vertebral subluxation (or other joint subluxation) (subluxation is a mechanical problem- of any joint- and requires a mechanical correction). In the spine, a sprain/strain is a misalignment, a 慿ink?in the joint, a stretch of the muscles, tendons and/ or ligaments:- more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation. Sometimes symptoms can come immediately, sometimes days, weeks or even months later!- Well after the actual trauma !!!
Spinal = Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation? ; ( subluxation COULD be any joint )
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
This is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology:
This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
Neuropathophysiology:
Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
Myopathology:
Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
Histopathology:
A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.
Pathophysiology:
Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.
Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment. For good health- Treat the Cause, not just the Symptoms. Sprain/ strain/ bump/ bruise?= may result in subluxation of the nearby joint. CORRECT the subluxation !!!!
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomate, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine ; Invited to care for USA Olympians @ Olympic Training Center 2010 ; Chiropractor to the CHAMPIONSHIP NYPD Football Team, and PSAL Champion Curtis Football Team
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
You ask / talk about: ".... Chest tightness, locked right jaw, pain in shoulder area (front and back), pain on breathing deep, couldn't move head to the right, etc. This was the worst event thus far....". Your complaints are not out of the ordinary at the chiropractor's office.
Your Chiropractic Doctor will of course examine you. After evaluation ruling out other pathology (ie: chest tightness indicating a cardiac problem), after examination reveals that you are appropriate for chiropractic care your doctor (DC) will apply the proper adjustments, modalities to correct the CAUSE of the problem.
It sounds like you respond well to the adjustment your doctor administers. To aid your body adapt to the adjustment certain other steps could be added. Soft tissue techniques such as A.R.T. (see= http://www.activerelease.com/what_patients.asp ), GRASTON (see= http://www.grastontechnique.com/ForThePatient.html ), or FAKTR-pm (see= http://www.faktr-pm.com/5.html ). These soft tissue rehabilitative techniques support the osseous adjustment performed by your doctor.
In addition to the soft tissue rehab techniques (above) after the adjustments you are given, I would HIGHLY recommend kinesiotaping (see= http://www.kinesiotaping.com/kta/index.html ).
I utilize all of thesse techniques in appropriate situations. Ask your doctor about them.
You go on:
"......Three questions:
(1) Why are my ribs suddenly slipping and does this have a technical term?
(2) Are there exercises I can do at home to help prevent this?
(3) What is most important to prevent this at work? (Proper ergonomics/bio-mechanics, weight lifting limit, centering loads during lifting, etc.) ........"
1) Your technical term would/ could be costo-vertebral subluxation (slipped rib).
2) Exercises- I would recommend you speak with your doctor about this, hands on demonstration/ explanation would be best. Strengthening your posterior cervical, posterior thoracic, scapular attachment muscles would be best. (perhaps this helps: http://www.rangeofmotion.net.au/taxonomy/term/10 )
3) ALL of those components are important,,,, what is most important, I really cannot choose- pick any or all of them.
I really recommend the KinesioTaping, and then any one of the soft tissue techniques mentioned above.
I hope this helps. Do not hesitate to REcontact me here at this AllExperts website. Visit my blog at http://drvictordolan.blogspot.com/ for helpful tips or to ask further questions as well.
I hope this does help you, good luck with your complaints, I wish you Good Health Naturally!
Dr. Vic Dolan, DC
