Question
I have been visiting a chiropractor for 3 weeks now for muscle pain. He seems to think it is thyroid condition.
I have been having lower back pain,and have had some very little adjusting done so far.
Mostly stretching.
He did say my left side is very tight. And made some adjust on my middle back area. When he applied the pressure I yelled it hurt all the way through to my chest walls. And since I have had lots of pain in the chest wall area? not sure if this is normal or if I should go have an x ray taken.I understand being sore is expected at times after a visit.But this is very painful.Not sure what to do.Not sure If I should even go back to him. Can you give me an idea what has happened.

Answer
Cindy,

Sudden pain in the sternum following a joint manipulation - when you are face down and the doctor presses on your back - is an infrequent complication.  In my experience it happens to older, stiff-jointed, osteoarthritic women.  It is likely a sprain at the connection of where your ribs meet the sternum.  It can be quite painful and take weeks to resolve.  It could also be a rib fracture.  What I don't know is: why have you been doing mostly stretching? What do you mean by stretching?  Also, if you had not made any progress after two weeks, or about six sessions, then there is a problem (in my opinion)and you and the DC should discuss it.  Getting the x-rays may be a good idea, for peace of mind if nothing else.  

Good luck,

Dr. G