Question
Hello, Dr. Arnone:

I read your answer to someone regarding a dislocated rib. (I copied and
pasted it at the bottom of this email.) My left lowest rib is dislocated. I have
been getting adjustments once a week from my chiropractor. The pain at first
was constant and extreme.

Is it normal to now get just intermittent pain? My side will be fine for a few
days, then suddenly, like right now, become intense. I did have tap dance
class six hours ago, and my last adjustment was one week ago, so I am
thinking one of both things have a lot to do with that. But sometimes I can't
think of something specific I did to agitate the area and bring on the pain
again.

Can the pain be intermittent? Is it caused by the muscles or ligaments or
what? What else can I do to help ease the pain and also help the healing
process?

Someone suggested ice, but if so, when? How often, for how long, and just
when I have pain? Others have said alter the pain and heat. Again, which do I
do when, and how often? I need specifics; to guess could be more harmful I
know.

What supplements, if any, are you aware of that may help? I can get natural
supplements from my chiropractor. Am wondering what you suggest? Any
specific herbs, supplements, vitamins, and/or minerals? I am all about natural
treatments only. (A "regular physician" destroyed my kidneys; thankfully my
chiropractor is helping me restore them back to health with natural
supplements and herbs.)

Thanks so much for your time. You are a blessing.

Sincerely,
Karrie

Answer
Noah,
If a rib is out of place, it is almost always very uncomfortable, and even more
so when breathing, laughing, coughing, or sneezing it would be intense pain.  
If you are doing all of those things with only a little bit of pain, then you will
probably be ok.  Especially if it seems like the pain is lessening each day.
Now you may have injured some muscle tissue as well and this takes some
time to heal, especially because those muscles and the ribs are constantly
moving to aid in breathing and so it takes longer for them to heal up.  I
would give it a week and monitor it to see if it is getting better or worse.  If it
concerns you further, then seeing a general full spine doctor of chiropractic
would be able to look at it and determine if it needs to be re-aligned.
I hope that this helps you, let me know if you have any further questions
regarding this matter.
Yours in Best Health,
Dr Rob Arnone

Answer
Karrie,
In regards to the rib trouble, I do not recommend any supplements although when a rib goes out there always soft tissue damage that would normally take 120 days to heal or possibly less if immobilized.  Since the ribs are always moving in order to breath, they take even longer to heal properly.  You should have your spine re-aligned and then your rib put back in place one time.  If your rib is constantly going out, then it simply means that there is an underlying structural subluxation that is causing it.  
You can try to apply ice for 20 minutes on and 40 minutes off and then try heat for the same time frame.  After one round of each, you will know which you would rather have applied, and then you can do it as often as needed in that ratio of 20 on 40 off.
I hope that I was able to help you some there, and you can ask more questions if you need further assistance.
Yours in Best Health,
Dr Robert Arnone
St Louis, MO