Question
I am highly active.  I've spent a great deal of time running sprints and lifting weights.  

A few years ago I had been running sprints on the treadmill and felt my low back spasm.  I made it into my chiropractor a couple days later.  He adjusted my hip (rotated) and spine.  I think he said my L1 was out.  

I continued to go to him for this issue, which never healed.  Eventually this problem began to affect other areas.  Somewhere around T7 started to be affected.  He says caused by the rotated hip (which won't stay in place?) For about 2 or 3 years now I have continued to see him for this.

Today I saw a new chiropractor and he told me it was a floating rib out of place.  He said the knot I'm feeling in my low back (left side) is a muscle spasm AND part of my rib.  He said 2 or 3 adjustments and I should be fine.  

After being told 2 different things I'm left a bit confused.  Can you confirm that a floating rib can cause these low back symptoms (very similar to bulging disc symptoms)?  And 2 or 3 adjustments can "fix" the problem after years of suffering?

Thanks ahead of time!
Tara

Answer
Hi Tara,

The floating rib story doesn't seem to fit.  Yes, you might have a problem in the area of the floating rib, ribs 11 and 12, which to not connect to your chest like the other ribs.  They are also above L1, and all connect to some musculature, e.g. the quadratus lumborum.   There's only one way to see if you'll be fine after a few adjustments:  get them done and if you're not fine and the DC promised that you would be fine, then challenge him!  If you are not better, then you must find a DC that has more skills and more tools in the bag.  Go to: www.grastontechnique.com and start there.  Also go to www.acbsp.com and see who has good credentials.  If you want to see what a more dynamic style of chiropractic care looks like, then go to my web site and check out some of the videos:  www.drgillman.com

'Hope this was helpful.

Dr. G