Question
I have a question. Recently I found out that one of my ribs are fractured.  I was told to go to a pain management specialist since no pain medication helps ease the pain. I was also told to go to phyiscal therapy since the pain is also in my back and down my leg. I was wondering if any of these would actually help ease the pain and also if accupuncture would work. Thanks.  

Answer
Dear Aliza,

Fractures are usually accompanied by muscular contractions that pull the affected area tighter.  Since muscular control is controlled by the brain, accupuncture may give temporary or partial relief, but for complete relief, you need to learn sufficient control of the involved muscles to relax them.  Your brain is the center of such learning, which is done by a "learn by doing" procedure.

The pain down your leg probably comes from the same, reflexive protection reaction.

Please see the articles on pain management at somatics.com/page4.htm for more detailed information and options.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold