Question
thank you for helping me with this problem
my grandaughter layed her head back on my chest and i felt a popping stinging sensation above my left breast';';the next day whilst i was moving away from the computer i felt a tearing hot pain go from the top of my chest around under my arm and i could not put my arm down without this cracking popping extreme pain that took my breath';';it felt like my shoulder muscle had come away from my sternum';';;'; i went to the dr who said it was not a cracked rib but cartlidge damage ';;;it is so sore at the top of my breast and feels like it needs to crack
that happened two days ago now the chest area is very sore and i am holding my chest muscles real tight because i am scared it will happen again';';if you touch the spot at the top of breast it hurts like anything the pain also goes around my back of the shoulder . Today i noticed my left arm is hurting too
any information would be appreciated
Helen

Answer
Dear Helen,

Thank you for your submission to AllExperts.  Your submission really has no question, but the subject line, "toen muscle or something else," seems to show that you're looking for someone who will make a diagnosis based on your description of the events and symptoms you experienced.  

It's a common misconception that my field concerns itself with such things, so I will not attempt to make a determination here as to what happened or whether it is a torn muscle or something else, but the fact is that nobody could or should try to do so in this type of format.  In essence, what you are asking is for someone who has never met you or had a chance to perform any type of procedure to guess at an answer.  That would be irresponsible on their part and risky on yours!  The art of making a differential diagnosis under ideal circumstances is inexact, at best.  The way you are approaching may be dangerous, particularly if the matter at hand is more serious than you may imagine.  

All that said, Helen, if it is a proper medical opinion you want, then I wish you the best in obtaining a proper, in-person diagnosis.  

Sincerely,
James W. Healey, DC