Question
Hi, A couple of days ago I woke up with a minor pain between my shoulder blades and it became increasingly worse throughout the day. If I am just going through my day I generally don't even feel it. When I take a deep breath in, however, it hurts and it hurts most when I lay flat on my back. I've read about a "slipped rib" but i wonder, is it possible to have that and not feel any pain in the front? Also, wouldn't I have had to injure it somehow to do that? I am 40 years old and was diagnosed with a cervical herniated disc about 10 years ago. I have had problems with my neck since I was in high school. Periodically, it flairs up and I cannot turn my head. At the time I was diagnosed, the chiropractor I was seeing said it was also possible that I had a herniated disc at the base of the spine as well but we never pursued it. He thought that because of some other symptoms I was having. I have periodically been to various chiropractors throughout my life and don't know what I would do without chiropractic! I am financially unable to do so at this time however so I thought you may have a suggestion. In addition to my question about the "slipped rib", do you have suggestions as far as heat vs. ice? I put some tiger balm on it last night before I went to bed and that gave me a good deal of relief but this morning I am back to where I was before. This has been going on since Monday (today is Friday). Also, are there any other concerns besides a subluxation that I should be considering? I would like to avoid seeing my family doctor if I can because I feel he would just give me some kind of pain killer if it is indeed a subluxation. Any insight you can provide would be appreciated!
Thank you,
Christy

Answer
Christy,
I am sympathetic to your financial situation, but as a doctor giving advice about your health, I cannot let the finances get in the way of what is best for you.  As far as the problem that you are having it sounds like it may be twofold:
1)  The pain between the shoulder blades could be from a rib that is misaligned on the posterior where it inserts into the thoracic spine.  This should be looked at by a doctor of chiropractic so that it may be set once again into the normal position.  This is something that can be done in 1 visit so that part of it should not get too costly.
2)The pain that you may be feeling could possibly be referred pain such as from your gall bladder for instance.  Sometimes when there are problems in certain organs there may be a referred pain in a different part of the body, this is one of your body's ways of communicating a problem to you.  I would suggest checking on the rib misalignment first and if that is the problem then your pain should be taken care of there.
Usually when there is a rib that is misaligned thee is something that occurs to set it out of position, Do you remember anything possibly happening that could have set this off?  A slip on the ice, or a fall of any sort, any type of recent trauma or accident?
I am glad that chiropractic has helped you in your life a great deal, and on that same note, it sounds like you need to return to your chiropractor and back on somewhat of a program.  Tell him or her your financial concerns but your  desire to get well and they should be willing to help you in your time of need.  If you have trouble there, send me your town and state as well as the closest big city to you and I will find someone for you.  I wish you the best.

Yours in Best Health,
Dr Robert Arnone
711 Old Ballas Road Suite 104
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
314.995.5719
www.GetWellSTL.com