Question
I was moving a coffee table down a flight of stairs, holding it at my side. Half-way down, I had to twist on the landing while holding this table. I felt excruciating pain and dropped down on the steps. I had a hard time catching my breath and could have passed out if I hadn't fought not to.

Is it possible I popped a rib out? I see a bump sticking out of my back in the sore area, but I'm thinking it could just be swollen.

Thank you!  

Answer
Karen,

Thanks for the question. It is very possible, and most likely, that you have subluxated a rib, or the ribhead to be exact.  What happens is that the thoracic vertebrae that the rib attaches to will twist or flex due to a strain/sprain type of injury.  The ribhead, which is what attaches to the vertebrae, will then move posterior, or back.

This will cause pain and swelling, spasm of the muscle, and difficulty taking a deep breath due to decreases ability for the ribcage to expand.

The solution: a few chiropractic adjustments.  I normally manipulate these ribs with the patient in the AP position, or anterior to posterior.  Often, the relief is immediate. The question is how bad did you strain the supporting tissues around the ribhead. That will determine how long the problem will linger and how many treatments you will need.  

If this happened recently, it should only take 1-6 treatments.  If it has been present for several weeks, it could take longer as the ribhead will tend to shift in and out of normal position.

At home, you should be using cold packs on the area to decrease inflammation.

I recommend seeing a chiropractor as soon as possible.  See what the  DC thinks and go from there.

I hope this helps.

Dr. Boss