Question
I can not exactly remember the moment. I have been an active person from martial arts surfing and a long career as a bartender (throwing kegs of beer). I endure the strangest pain that comes and goes over about a weeks period. it resides under my right pectoral and has no connection to the muscle. I have broken and cracked ribs before and it feels very much like that. The strangest thing is it seems to be the slightest movement (pouring a drink) may set it off one time. Then it heals; I go surfing and lift weights and play ball and it is fine. Then again it flares up. what is it and can I get it fixed?
Thanks, Chris
College Park, FL.

Answer
Chris,

Sorry I missed your question previously.  

It sounds like your previous rib injury set you up for a chronic, recurrent, rib joint dysfunction where the rib gets stuck and the surrounding and connecting soft tissues get tugged on.  Yes this hurts!!  It is common, and it causes many people to go to the hospital thinking they're having a heart attack.  You need to see a good chiropractor to see if the joint and the soft tissues can be worked out.  If so, you'll notice that the pain doesn't flare up with some of your activities.  For many people this is treatable.

'Good luck with this.

Dr. G