QuestionQUESTION: Almost 12 mths ago I was injured playing Rugby, I had an elbow hit my chest with great force. I assumed it was just a bruise so played on and then played the next week.
Frist tackle I got twisted and "pop" something tore or was dislodged. The pain was excrutiating, I was told i had torn my rib cartilage. I had approx. 8 weeks rest before playing again and then played out the remainder of the season without any issues.
16 mths on, I have been very active, boxing, swimming, golf, weights. It has all been fine, even a dirct blow to the area doesn't hurt. However, the one thing that really hurts is lying flat on a hard surface. This inhibits my ability to do Bench Pull exercises at the gym and surfing, which is a major problem. It appears that the bone or cartilage juts out at an angle from the chest and causes extreme discomfort when lying on my board. I have tried padding the area but it doesn't help. Is there anything I can do to minimise the pain or to help the area to revert back to normal??? Thanks in advance.
ANSWER: kinesiotaping, kinesiotape, kinesio tape, Staten Island kinesio tape, subluxation,
Hello Larry Jordan,
I am sorry to hear of your discomfort.
Now,,, you are able to do all that you want- except the Bench Press, and laying upon your back?
Everything else is fine?
"....Almost 12 mths ago I was injured playing Rugby, I had an elbow hit my chest with great force. I assumed it was just a bruise so played on and then played the next week......", do you remember anything else besides a bruise?- was there any deformity, lump, bump, depression?
Perhaps there was no deformity,,, perhaps this injury just 'set the stage' for the next trauma to REALLY cause some damage.
"....Frist tackle I got twisted and "pop" something tore or was dislodged. The pain was excrutiating, I was told i had torn my rib cartilage. I had approx. 8 weeks rest before playing again and then played out the remainder of the season without any issues.....", who told you of the 'torn rib cartilage'? What type of treatments were performed? Was any Xray taken? again- was there any lump, bump, depression, deformity of any kind? Who examined and treated you? Was any support, bracing, taping, therapy applied? What did your chiropractor say at that time?
"....16 mths on, I have been very active, boxing, swimming, golf, weights. It has all been fine, even a dirct blow to the area doesn't hurt.....", great- so you can be active and competitive, with little or no problem. Again, all activities seem normal!, no pain, no dysfunction, and no deformity of any kind.
"....However, the one thing that really hurts is lying flat on a hard surface....." Lying flat supine- on your spine?, lying flat prone- on your stomach?- you can do all kinds of activity without any distress,,,, yet laying down hurts.... very unusual- what does your Doctor of Chiropractic say to this?
"....This inhibits my ability to do Bench Pull exercises at the gym and surfing, which is a major problem....."- (laying supine for the Bench press causes a problem? or laying PRONE for a PULL causes a problem?), surfing causes a problem, but it does not hurt at all playing rugby!? or doing other activities?! This is very unusual.
"....It appears that the bone or cartilage juts out at an angle from the chest and causes extreme discomfort when lying on my board.....", although you do not mention any lump, bump, depression or deformity,,, now it does seem that we have a lump or bump or deformity that you cannot lay upon. Is this close to your central breastbone?- where the ribs meet the sternum?
Which trauma caused the bump to appear?, What treatment was done at the time of the injury?
Of course P.R.I.C.E. should have been performed
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from my Staten Island Chiropractic office: PRICE information:
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
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
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After PRICE first aid, perhaps manipulation of the dislocated/ torn/ sprained/ strained area could have, should have been performed by your doctor. Most doctors of chiropractic can perform these extremity manipulations. Then SUPPORT has to be supplied- some type of bracing; my choice would have been kinesio tape to the area to provide support of the correctly re-positioned joint.
If your doctor does not do extremities, or does not do some type of support-- in my Staten Island Chiropractic office I prefer Kinesio taping approaches, your DC may prefer a different type of support--- if your doctor does not do extremities, does not give a brace or support,,, I would look for another chiropractor.
"....Is there anything I can do to minimise the pain or to help the area to revert back to normal??? ....."; I would recommend getting back to your doctor. Your chiropractor should re-evaluate the injured area, perhaps manipulate, certainly support (kinesiotaping) the area.
I have asked you some questions. Perhaps I have answered some of yours. If you need further--- do not hesitate to RE-contact me here at ALLexperts.com - -
http://www.allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm
Thank you for your question, good luck in returning to good health!
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
Email Newsletter . . . . . http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks so much for your speedy and comprehensive reply. There certainly is a lump/bump on my rip which only hurts when I'm lying face down on my stomach on a hard surface. As an example, it feels like there is a stone lodged between myself and the surface. It is very close to the central breast bone where the rib meets the sternum. I believee the initial "bruise" set the stage for the major injury on the second trauma, which caused the bump. It is noticeable by sight but the only time it causes discomfort is when i lay directly on it. Someone could strike the area directly and it would not hurt, but lying on it is an issue.
At the time of the injury i followed the price principle closely. Thanks again for your help.
AnswerHello Larry Jordan,
I do not think that you are asking another question, but with additional info I think I will continue our conversation--- I hope that is okay.
"There certainly is a lump/bump on my rip which only hurts when I'm lying face down on my stomach on a hard surface....."- this bump COULD be a calcified hematoma- old bruise that turned into a lump of calcium, it could be the end of a rib that is 'subluxated' (dislocated a bit). IF this is a calcification,,,, there is little to be done with it,,, I do not think even a surgeon would attempt anything here. IF it is a dislocated/ subluxated costo-chondral joint (rib to cartilage, rib to sternum) perhaps something could be done,,, but the time length since injury makes even this unlikely.
"It is noticeable by sight but the only time it causes discomfort is when i lay directly on it. Someone could strike the area directly and it would not hurt, but lying on it is an issue...."- depending upon how BIG that issue is to you,,, you could get an Xray of the area, take a look at the calcium that has been deposited as part of the healing process, take a look at the 'joint' where the rib and sternum meet- PERHAPS some manipulation and support could be helpful; BUT at this late date, this is also unlikely.
Since it does not hurt when you are 'hit' there, but it causes you hurt by lying on it,,,, the inflammatory process has ended, it has healed the way it has healed....
It may cause you discomfort lying upon it (like laying upon a golf ball), but you FUNCTION well with it and it is not inflammed, aggravated, or unstable. This may have been prevented with more proper care at the outset,,, but now it is probably best to let the sleeping dog lie still.
IF you really really want to look into PERHAPS doing something about it, a Doctor of Chiropractic could be a good place to start with a physical examination; or perhaps a chest surgeon of some sort. IF exam finds 'some hope' about reducing the bump; an Xray or perhaps even an MR or CT scan of the area may also be needed.
Again,,, after all this time, it has healed as it has healed, so manipulation OR surgery may actually open a bigger can of worms. I just go through this because you may, or may not be contemplating treating this problem.
"At the time of the injury i followed the price principle closely...."- good!, and if you injure any body part, it is a good protocol to follow.
Perhaps this info will help you in the future also:
Be wary of pain medications:
PAIN
Pain is a 憆ed light on the dashboard?
Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.
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?
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) ;
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.
Pain can often be the result of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation ( 慥SC?, 憇ubluxation? )
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
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Thirty years ago when I was in Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport Iowa, RUGBY was a BIG sport. We had many students from around the world. Many students came from Europe, the country of South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, England. Because of all the English 'colonies'-- Rugby was a prime sport at Palmer. Many opposing college and club rugby teams were amazed at how often our athletes returned to play FASTER and more completely healed than theirs did--- the secret was Chiropractic!
Since you play sports, perhaps this would be of interest to you:
Athletic Performance Improvement, Accelerated Recovery
Chiropractic is well known to improve athletic performance, prevent sport injury, and accelerate recovery from injury or hard training. With Doctors of Chiropractic serving on almost every nation抯 Olympic Team, with Chiropractic holding official status with the USOC and serving almost every US Olympic Athlete: the results of chiropractic cannot be denied. Coaches and athletes are aware of terms such as
enhanced performance, performance improvement, .
accelerated recovery, restoration and regeneration.
.
Many coaching conferences discuss strategies on these aspects of exercise, competition, sports and athleticism.
An interesting study was performed and published way back in 1991. The January 1991 issue of the Journal of Chiropractic Research and Clinical Investigation published findings that demonstrate significant increases in athletic performance after a twelve week program of Chiropractic treatment.
Athletic Ability Research:
Male and female athletes between the ages of 18 and 42, representing a variety of sports backgrounds, were recruited to participate in this study. None had ever before been under chiropractic care. Each of these participants underwent eleven separate tests, each test designed to measure a specific aspect of athletic performance. Then, half the participants were evaluated through chiropractic analysis and placed on a twelve week program of chiropractic treatment ( consistent regimen of chiropractic, similar to a consistent regimen of physical athletic training/ exercise ). ( measured aspects: side step test, dodging run, right boomerang run, modified bass tests of dynamic balance, vertical power jump, standing broad jump, distance perception jump, horizontal linear space test, nelson hand reaction test, nelson speed of movement test, nelson choice of response-movement test )
All subjects continued to train and practice as usual in their sports. At the half-way point of six weeks, they were all reevaluated and changes in scores for each group were compared. All increases in performances by each group were measured by the average percent of change in all eleven tests combined.
The control group, those not receiving chiropractic care, showed slight improvement in eight of eleven tests ( this group had been training 慳s usual?for the time period ). By combining the average percentages of change on each test it was found that the control group showed an overall improvement of 4.5%.
Those receiving chiropractic treatment (along with their 憉sual training?, the test group, had dramatically different results. They showed improvement on all eleven tests for a total 10.7% average increase after six weeks. And when retested again after the second six week period of care this test group demonstrated a remarkable 16.7% average increase in athletic ability.
( consider that one/ onehundredth of a second ( 1/100th ) is the difference between win ?lose,,, 16.7% is HUGE )
What Do Chiropractors Do?
Chiropractors analyze the structure of the body, looking for misalignments, primarily in the spine, and also the extremities. Spinal misalignments, termed vertebral subluxations, irritate the nerves which in turn inhibits the body抯 ability to function optimally. Like a high performance automobile, the human structure must be balanced and in alignment to be at it抯 best. A Ferrari with pistons that don抰 fire in sequence, wheels that are out of balance or alignment, and high performance specifications that are improperly set will not only have it抯 performance compromised but will also have dramatically increased potential for parts to wear out and breakdown. The human body, far more delicate and complicated than even the most advanced automobile is similar. If the framework, particularly the spine, isn抰 properly aligned and balanced- the body cannot perform to it抯 potential and is more susceptible to illness and injury, with slower recovery when injury does occur.
What Do Vertebral Subluxations Do?
Vertebral subluxations cause nerve conduction interference. This inhibits millions of messages from the brain from flowing smoothly along the nerves and in this in turn interferes with the coordination of the actions of the body. The only health care provider trained to diagnose and correct vertebral subluxations is the Doctor of Chiropractic. Like a properly tuned Ferrari, the chiropractic patient athlete, when properly aligned, functions at a level of peak performance.
Famous Athletes Utilize Chiropractics.
Many athletes have discovered the relationship between proper spinal alignment and their own level of achievement. San Francisco Forty-Niner Greats Joe Montana and Roger Craig as well as heavy weight champion Evander Holyfield are examples of professional and world-class athletes who realize(d) the value of proper structural alignment and balance in their bodies. They have learned through their own experiences what research has shown; that through chiropractic care - one can demonstrate faster reaction time, better balance, improved coordination, increased muscular power; and when injured- accelerated recovery and regeneration.
The Competitive Edge.
Emphasis on athletic excellence continues to escalate in this country in terms of both dollars and extremes in personal sacrifice. Though the dangers of taking anabolic steroids have been widely publicized for years, the number of athletes who suffer serious health problems caused steroids continues to grow. Now, however, the athlete looking for the competitive edge need not look beyond the framework of his(her) own body. Increased public awareness is leading many to realize that a natural method is available in achieving performance enhancement. The method is Chiropractic!
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
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Again, I wish you luck, stay active, take care of those bumps when they FIRST happen!
Your Staten Island Chiropractor friend,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
Email newsletter:. . . . . . . . http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com
