QuestionHello Dr. Dolan,
I am hoping you can provide some insight as to a strange pain I have recently
developed on the immediate right side of my thoracic spine. It has been
several days of the pain gradually coming on, but now it hurts when I'm just
laying down, not moving. The strange thing is that the pain feels like it is in
my skin, which feels a bit numb. I can't really tell if there is pain in any
muscles underneath, as I mainly feel spasms of pain in about a 3 square inch
area of skin. I am 24 years old so I can't imagine it would be anything too
serious! Do you have any idea what this could be? Please let me know when
you have a chance!
Thanks,
Janellems6y2
AnswerVertebral Subluxation Complex, altered sensation,
Hello Janelle,
I am sorry to hear of your pain.
Increasing, progressing pain?= time to see a Doctor. Whether a medical doctor or chiropractic doctor,,, time to see a Doctor.
".....It has been several days of the pain gradually coming on, but now it hurts when I'm just laying down, not moving.....", getting worse? = time to see a Doctor.
"....I am 24 years old so I can't imagine it would be anything too
serious!....", age used to protect us. With our sedentary, toxic lifestyles; younger people are developing diseases of old age much sooner.
"....strange pain I have recently developed on the immediate right side of my thoracic spine.....", right side; below, at the scapula (shoulder blade)?, this could be a gall bladder pain. A little lower, a little more lateral?, could be flank pain= could be a kidney. Do you have any digestive issues?, are you overweight? Are you having any difficulty in the urinary arena?,= burning, difficulty starting or stopping, pain into the groin at all?
".... mainly feel spasms of pain in about a 3 square inch
area of skin.....", this area points to gall bladder, kidney, possibly even a lung. Any cough, shortness of breath, difficulty taking a deep breath? Perhaps it can relate to the spine and/or musculature. Lift anything heavy?, have repetitive motion, awkward movement or prolonged postures as part of your daily routine?
"Do you have any idea what this could be?", given your brief description,,, it could be almost anything; that is why I recommend seeing a Doctor. Best guesses?, as described above- could be Gall Bladder, lung, kidney or a vertebral subluxation/ muscle spasm in the spine.
Do not just take a pain medication. Have an examination.
Before you just cover up the problem with a pain killer, read the following for your own information:
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; 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
My Staten Island Pain patients find that information handout interesting. As to ANY back pain,it is possible it is related to the spine, muscle spasm, pinched nerves, perhaps a herniated disc- this is another information sheet I use in the office:
揗uscle Spasm?
Midback or Shoulder(s)
Sometimes we can wake up with a muscle spasm, tightness, 慻rinding? stiff neck, or pain in our neck, mid back, or low back.... sometimes a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, or even a motor vehicle accident can cause a problem in our neck, mid back or lower back. Ultimately- often the underlying c a u s e of the spasm and pain; is a misalignment, a 慿ink?in the neck- more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation.
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 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:
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.
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.
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
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
My recommendation: See a local Doctor for an in-person, hands-on evaluation. I am sure Lung, gall bladder, kidney, back problems will be high on the suspicion list. Even though you are young and it is right sided, perhaps a quick cursory question or two related to possible heart problems (unlikely) will be asked as well.
I hope my information helps.
Go Get Checked Out.
If you need further,,, do not hesitate to REcontact me here at
AllExperts. http://www.allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm
Wishing you Good Luck, Good Health and a quick recovery,
your Internet Chiropractic Staten Island Expert,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC DACBSP
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com - - -- - Email NewsLetter
