Question
I have had problems with a rib(in my back) popping out. At first it was just sore and hurt to take a deep breath & then I started getting really bad muscle spasms in my back so I finally went to the Chiropractor & it was in fact a rib out. He put it back in and later the same problems, extremely sore, more muscle spasms etc. I went back to him 2-3 times and the last time he said my muscle was inflamed & irritated because of the rib head and popped it back in again and I began having the WORST muscle spasm of all, and started crying, IT HURT! So he did x-rays & found nothing wrong. He told me to ice it. I went to my regular doctor to get muscle relaxers & that helped with the spasms & am taking ibuprofen so my back doesnt hurt CONSTANTLY but it always does, it is very very sore especially at night & in the morning & if I move just wrong I get a jolt of pain. So is the chiropractor not getting it back in or is it continuing to pop back out after he does it or what? And if so, what can I do to keep it in, I am not over exherting myself by any means but I cant do this anymore!

Answer
Samantha,

What you have is not uncommon.  We see this all the time and it's not always easy (for anyone) to fix.  I would suggest that your chiropractor do a lot more than just "popping the rib" back in place.  First off, it may not be a rib.  Given that I don't know anything about you or your medical history, I am unable to make too many assumptions.  However, there could be an arthritic joint in your spine causing discomfort at the rib.  Old injuries to the area are a factor.  Also, there could be a soft tissue lesion in and around the rib joints.  If the latter is the case, then ask the chiropractor to use an active myofascial release technique or use Graston Technique to work out the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, fascia, ligaments). I would prep' the area with therapeutic ultrasound, then do soft tissue therapy (I prefer Graston Technique), THEN try careful joint manipulation.  Xray is a limited modality and will only show certain bone problems.  It will not show the quality of the discs/cartilage or other softer tissues.  Lastly, if these methods fail, you may want to consider some acupuncture in/around the rib area.  

'Hope this helps.

Dr. G