Question
Female, 50's. I slept on my right side lastnight. When I woke up I had a slight pain in my mid back area o nthe right side, maybe between the 3rd or 4th rib from the bottom. I can't take a deep breath and if I move or twist just right, I feel like it takes my breath away. I can touch exactly where it hurts. It feesl like under the rib cage or between the ribs???The only way there is no pain is if I lean all the way over to the left. As soon as I straighten back up, the pain is there. Please help! Thanks

Answer
back pain, mid back, rib pain, kidney pain, lung pain, gall bladder pain, positional pain,

Hello Sheilia,

Sorry to hear of your pain.  Mid Back pain, between the ribs(?), right side -- this pain could be many things.

Coming up from the bottom, lower mid back pain COULD be kidney pain, gall bladder pain, even lung pain.  This low mid back pain, or upper low back pain could also be musculo-skeletal in origin.

First- a note on pain, any pain:

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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).

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).


  Only a Doctor of Chiropractic will evaluate and treat for VSC.


  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.


         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.

Subluxation  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.  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.
++++++++++++

This is an informational handout I utilize in my Staten Island Chiropractic office.  Pain- should be evaluated.  Un-explained pain, should be evaluated.  Worsening pain, should be evaluated.

Do NOT just disregard the pain, or cover the pain up with a painkiller drug.  If you are concerned enough to write me here, then you should see an appropriate licensed health professional.

Your local family Doctor of Chiropractic would be a good choice for an examination.  Perhaps this problem is musculo-skeletal in origin, and a physical medicine approach such as Chiropractic would be a good treatment choice.  Your Doctor of Chiropractic should sit you down, take a case history consultation, perform a physical examination, perhaps order Xray and or Blood Test evaluation.  Appropriate evaluation leads to a working diagnosis; perhaps the Chiropractor can treat you, or perhaps referral to other health specialty may be most efficient.

Your pain COULD be neuro-musculo-skeletal in origin.  You may have a pinched nerve- ie: intercostal neuritis ( a pinched nerve between the ribs), you may have a vertebral subluxation (see information below) causing a pinched nerve and muscle spasm.  Have you had any trauma- whether a lot or a little--- did you lift something heavy and sprain or strain your back?, were you playing sports and received a blow to the area- contusion/ bruise?, did you sleep on the couch instead of in bed and sp/strain your back?  This is possible.

Your pain could be organic in origin.  Are you getting over a cold or cough- perhaps you have some lung congestion?,  Are you having any urinary changes- Blood in urine, burning, difficulty starting or stopping- could be a kidney problem ('flank pain'- pain in the lower mid back,,, often radiating to the groin if kidney related)?
Does it relate to food intake- perhaps it is your gall bladder- gall bladder can refer pain to your front right lower chest, upper abdomen, right midback, right shoulder?  IF you can move and alter the pain, then it is PROBABLY musculoskeletal.  If you are sitting/ standing still and pain comes/ goes, PERHAPS it is organic.

Differential diagnosis is important.  A doctor of chiropractic or some other licensed health care professional should be visited for appropriate exam.

A note on back pain and the Vertebral Subluxation I mentioned before:

+++++
Lower  Back  Pain  (LBP):

        Low  Back  Pain  can be caused by many different things.  Big, BAD, catastrophic things like a tumor or a cancer can cause low back pain (only a proper exam by a licensed doctor, like your Doctor of Chiropractic, or your family Doctor of Medicine, can evaluate your signs and symptoms, and perhaps refer for testing).  Big, bad things like a Herniated Disc, sciatica, possible fracture or dislocation can cause LBP (again, best evaluated by your DC or MD, and perhaps referral).  Bad things, like  - Sprains, Strains, contusion, or Vertebral Subluxation Complex (all very efficiently diagnosed and treated by your Doctor Of Chiropractic).  LBP can come from a motor vehicle accident, sport injury, slip, trip, fall, arthritis, lifting improperly, or even bad posture in standing, sitting or sleeping.  All of these things often have a Lumbar (Low Back) Vertebral Subluxation involved.
 
              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:
         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.

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

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

As you can see, this location lends itself to many diagnoses, and needs differential examination.

I recommend you see a Doctor of Chiropractic or other health professional.

If you need further information, do not hesitate to re- contact me here at AllExperts.com ( http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm )

I wish you good luck, and Good Health Naturally,

Your Staten Island Chiropractor friend,

Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com         (email newsletter)