Question
I have been having a lot of pain from one of my ribs. My doctor suggested I may have a dislocated rib, she doesn't really know, but I had an xray and it appeared normal. I have a lot of back pain in one spot, it's just off my spine, at the base of what I think is my eleventh rib. But, the rib above that one seems like the one that is out of place. It hurts to lean back while driving, or to sit on the couch, or my desk chair. It seems like the rib is almost loose like. When I lean back and put pressure on that spot, it's like it pushes it in, and then I feel pain at the front of my tenth rib. It's like it is pushing it forward because it's loose. Does that make any sense? I've had this pain for about a year now. My doctor said that the cartilage that is supposed to be on the very front of my tenth rib has been broken off, which is why it points outward a little bit. I've been to a chiropractor, but it didn't help. What can be done about a dislocated rib? Am I destined to be with this pain forever? It gets excruciating at times... Is there a test, like a CAT scan that could see a dislocation? Thankyou.

Answer
It sure sounds like a subluxated rib.  These are hard, but not impossible, to see on an x-ray---but most docs are not trained very well to see them.  Also, it is important to note that most chiropractors do not go looking for this problem, it is important that you ask your Chiropractor if he does.  Usually a sports oriented guy will see this a lot, but the average doc on the street will not.

Also, if it is truly dislocated, an x-ray is more than enough to tell.  I would highly suggest that you call around and find another chiropractor, take him your existing films and get another opinion.

Good luck,

Dr. P