Question
QUESTION: Hello,  I have a herniated disc L1 L2 which gives me numbness outer rt thigh, hip pain, low abdominal pain, rt heal numbness with pins and needles when I bend.  I also feel like my ribs are moving, mostly on right.  I layed on a ice pack and could actually feel it move and it hurt when I breath in.  My chest hurts in several areas and I feel pressure on my sternum when I bend.  My diaphram feels like I've been punched every time I twist or move in a certain area.  Xrays showed nothing.  Doctors says costalchondritis.  Chest pains been for 3 week feeling worst.  Always had righted side pain last 5 months, from possible floating rib poking at a organ.  Herniated disc happened 5 months ago, on and off pain issues continued.  I did have a Osteopath perform OMT therapy on me once, about two weeks into my dilemma and he did a body slam to my chest with his fingertips along my spine.  My muscles were really tight at the time, (had a locked jaw).  Approximately three weeks ago I tried to use my arms to carry my weight downstairs each day, approx 10 times up and down a day, to help decrease the strain on my back, hip, leg pain.  What do you think I should do?  I don't want to take pain relievers, muscle relaxants because I am pretty much a non-medication user but I've been living with pain that increase with activity for a really long time and I am so done with it.  Please any advice?  Thank you, Holly  p.s. this all happened while I was working in a produce department,lifting up to 50 pound box and chopping all day long.

ANSWER: OMT and chiropractic are both done very differently.  The "slamming" you describe is common, but an adjustment is usually not that violent!  What you describe as some of the pain can actually be a misalinged rib, and a good chiropractor should be able to help.

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QUESTION: Could the diaphragm pain be from strain intercostal muscle too.  Just wondering.  I'm dont want to rupture my diaphragm.  What are the chances of that happening with a rib misaligned?  Holly

ANSWER: The pain can also be from strained intercostal muscles.  Physiotherapies (such as ultrasound) may be able to be performed to help it heal.  A rib misalignment usually doesn't lead to a diaphragm rupture.

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QUESTION: One more follow up please.  Can a l1 l2 disc herniation lead to a CES (Cauda ES?? Syndrome).  I've had this herniated disc for 5 months now and when I read up on it after the MRI, I read about this syndrome and I am a little nervous about it.  Can it happen at a l1 l2 level and after 5 months?  Thank you, Holly

Answer
Cauda equinae syndrome is a possibility, even after 5 months, if the disc has worsened.  you may want to check with your primary physician, or, if possible, right to a neurologist.  A good site with information is this http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic85.htm.  Let me know how you make out.