Dr. Timothy K. Durnin - 8/13/2007

Question
I am a 22 year old female who has been having pain in the right upper part of my back just under the scapula.  The pain is constant worsening with exercise, and when I reach for something I get a sharp pain right in that one spot, that spot is also very painful to touch, nothing I do provides relief.  From what I can remember I do not think I injured it in any way, it just gradually started hurting one day.  I have had the pain now for almost two years and I have been to numerous doctors(internist, orthopedic surgeon and radiologist) and three physical therapists over the last 6 months and nothing has worked.  I have had a serious of radiographs done, the only thing found was a mild scoliosis.  I have tried strength training with the physical therapists, anti-inflammatory medication, and about a week ago I had cortisone injections, using fluoroscopy, into the bursa under my shoulder blade.  Still I have pain. The pain is so bad that I no longer play tennis, or ride my bike, I am a very active person and this has really impacted my life.  I know you cannot give me a diagnosis since you cannot examine me, but if you could give me an idea of what I can do next I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you so much.

Answer
Hi Julie,

I can sure guess accurately on this one. It is most likely a subluxated rib, it is fixated out of position where it attaches to the spine between the shoulder blades. This is a common thing we treat as DC's, only a DC can fix it since it takes manual manipulation. All the drugs and tests in the world will not help or show these subtle dislocations that feel like a knife in the back. You only need to see a Chiropractor to get immediate relief in a few visits.

Good Luck!

Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com