Question
I am 53, basically healthy and active female that has been seeing the same chiropractor for approximately 15 years. I have have minor back ailments ongoing,lower back, neck etc., and usually after adjustments feel better.
I have had MRI's & X-rays with some findings of spinal degeneration and bulging disc that that at times I have had to visit my health care provider and chiropractor 3x's per week. Since earlier this year, I have started to have rib cage/back pain during my sleeping hours only to go away about an hour after getting up in the morning. The pain is so intense that I have to get up. I have rule out my sleep number bed since I have tried everything from 15 to 100 and also tried sleeping on other beds couch, recliner, etc. Since February of this year my chiropractor whom is up on all the latest spinal info out there purchased a new adjustment table, the type with drop sections that can move and tilt to accommodate the mirror image effect. Well I started noticing about a month or so after using this table for adjustments I started having this pain. I have expressed this problem to him but to no avail. I am clueless to what this is. Hope you can shed some light on this.

Answer
Dear Sandra,

Sometimes, we as doctors get so involved in our techniques and methods that we forget that we are treating individuals!  

The first thing that you need to realize is that there are many, many, MANY different chiropractic techniques, and most of them are valid and beneficial in treating patients, although there is not one single technique that is going to be beneficial in treating ALL patients.

Here are a couple more thoughts:

1) Ask your doctor what he hopes to obtain through treating you with this new technique verses his old technique?  How is he obtaining these new outcomes, and how is he measuring his success or failure? What are the risks of returning to your older technique? What are the risks of continuing with the current technique that is potentially causing problems? Ask him how many of his other patients have expressed concern regarding his new technique. These are all good questions.

2) If possible, watch the doctor as he treats other patients. Does he apply the same technique to all patients?  If so, he/she might be in a little bit of a technique rut. (it is OK if he is... he is still potentially a great chiropractor!  He just might need to stop and think and re-evaluate his ideas/techniques again.

3) Ask your chiropractor for a new diagnostic workup/evaluation and treatment plan.  If he is unwilling to do this... it is time for a new chiropractor.  Since you have such a long term relationship with him, I would think that he would be happy to stop and think and re-consider his choices.

Now, as per the cause of your pain...
An on-line diagnosis is impossible, but a couple of possible causes are:
Joint dysfunction at the vertebral/rib head joint.
Muscular spasm or splinting.
Thoracic compression fracture.
Spinal stenosis, either lateral recess or central canal.
Organic problems, such as liver or kidney issues.

In closing...

If I were you, I would visit my medical doctor and let him/her perform a diagnostic work-up, including blood tests, and if needed, additional imaging.  Your condition sounds like it is a mechanical or joint problem, but you can never be too safe. Have your MD test you to rule out other conditions and to set your mind at ease.  Odds are that your MD will come back with negative tests. This will be great news. When it happens, then try some new things with your chiropractor. If he is unwilling to address your concerns, find a new chiropractor who will! One size does not ft all.

I sincerely hope that this gives you some ideas. Good luck!