Question
in the last 2 months or so I have noticed in my chest around the area of my sternum that when I pull my shoulders back or slouch down my chest hurts and it feels like it wants to pop. I read a question simulair but I know when I was younger I was told I had scoliousis and was wondering if that could be related or if their is a safe way I could pop my chest or any other advice you might have. Being a single dad with no insurance I don't have spare money to see a dr. So any advice would be great thank you

Answer
David,

Too bad you don't have insurance (a separate topic) because it's quite easy for a chiropractor to work on your condition.   There are various ways to move your ribs and spine with the help of a friend. Do not try these unless you are in good physical health.    Here's two methods:  1 ) Put two bath towels together, fold in half length-wise, and roll them up into a cylindar about 9 inches thick.You hug the towel, wrapping your arms all the way around it with left hand touching the back of your right shoulder and right hand touching your left shoulder (triceps area).   Then have a friend, hopefully someone bigger than you, hug you from behind, putting their chest against your back, and wrapping their arms around you and the towel roll.  Your position can be sitting or standing depending on how tall your buddy is.   As he bear-hugs you and squeezes, he should lift you up a little bit.  You should simply relax and lean back a little as you get a hug and a lift.   This sort of gross joint manipulation is commonly employed by martial artists and others.  You can vary where his chest is against your back, e.g. slightly to the left against the rib. You can tinker with holding your breath as he lifts/hugs or letting your breath out as he lifts/hugs.   Here's #2)  You lay on the floor.  Put a book, shoe, or tennis ball on the floor and lay against it so that it is in midline of your back.  Cover the object if it feels sharp using a towel or pillow.  Have your friend press, slowly, down against the problematic rib area - about 2 inches away from the sternum - using a slow, firm, pressure.  They can pad their hand, too, with a towel or pillow.  Have them hold steady pressure while you allow the rib to stretch.  These 2 maneuvers are safe in a healthy person.  I would not recommend it if you have any underlying bone diseases or a re of frail health.  Go in slow motion with these at first, getting the body postures and form down, and testing it for comfort.  Then, you can gradually press, lift, squeeze more firmly as you get the hang of it.  If you have a lot of pain in attempting these, then you must abandon the technique.  If these methods do not work, then you must consider a visit to the chiropractor.   I'll bet you can find one that can make the treatment affordable for you.   

'Good luck,

Dr. G