Question
I fell about 3-4 weeks ago off of a golf cart. When I fellI twisted somewhat to my left and fell hard on gravel. At the time, I cut my knee and arm, but didn't feel so bad otherwise. As a weekor twowent by, I started feeling worse. My ribs under my left breast hurt and I kind of felt like I hurt all the way around in that area. I went to the Chiropractor and based on what I told her, and the test she ran, she said I had a hairline fracture on my rib. I've been wearing a rib belt and putting ice on it. I've also taking over the counter pain meds. I can't really tell if I'm getting anybetter. I have been going twice a week for treatments, but I seem to pop back out of place in a day. Rem. arthritis runs in my family also. I know it takes awhile to heal muscles and bones, but I just haven't felt better. Could it possibly be something else? I get weird stabbing pains on and off all day.  

Answer
Some thoughts:

1. Your symptoms are not consistent with rheumatoid arthritis, which is an inflammatory disorder affecting joints (and eventually deforming them) on both sides of the body symmetrically.

2. The only reliable way to diagnose a fracture is with an x-ray.

3. I don't know what type of treatments you are receiving twice per week, but after 4 weeks, if you are not improving, a referral to another specialist may be needed. I trust that your chiropractor isn't treating a suspected fracture.

Based on your description, it sounds more as if your chiropractor is treating you for other aches and pains associated with your fall, but if you are not improving, I would again recommend a consultation with another specialist. An orthopedic surgeon would be my choice for a referral, especially if you have persistent swelling or pain in the affected region that is not alleviated by the other treatment modalities you are using.

I hope that this helps.