Question: Background. I was hit by a semi truck 8 months ago. Suffered a spinal cord contusion (had an MRI that showed it C2 level, it was more on the mild side, still in physical therapy for this), Brain injury, and some other mild orthopedic injuries. Immediately after the accident I had stabbing chest pains from the seatbelt restraining me. My neurologist even popped my sternum back into place upon my first visit.

I saw an orthropedic doctor initially also, and he suspected I probably had some type of fracture or bruising on my chest. He said the only thing really to do is to rest and relax. Anyways, the last 3 weeks I've been having stabbing pains all over my chest and the area of my sternum is tender, a 10 in pain if you touch the right spot. Laying on either side in my bed makes the chest pain worse and actually sends shooting nerve pain down arm and shoulder. I havent done anything more active either. No increase in physical activity.

I saw my neurologist 2 days ago and he felt around said one of my rib heads felt out of place. I was in horrible pain when he hit a specific part. Anyway, he said since I;ve had 8 months of nerve pain, I could have something called thoracic outlet syndrome and that I should see an ortho surgeon this coming week, possibly other specialists. I'm just curious with your expertise in this area, what your thoughts are. like could it just be a dislocated rib? The pain is horrible all day. I can't even wear a seatbelt properly.

Well, I do get pains when I lay on my left side that go to the back of my right shoulder blade and sometimes its like a burning pain there. When I lay on my right side I get pain that travels to my my mid left forearm, and a very sharp stab pain on my left shoulder blade. It is very odd these pains; they kind of just came out of no where. The rest of the day I am served with regular pulsating pains in the center of the chest, that can branch out to shoulder, armpit, and as of the last two days even to like my clavicle neck area.

Neurologist gave me a taper of prednisone for I think 5 days. Not much relief. Following up with orthro surgeon on monday. I just always like to hear what qualified professionals like yourself have to say. The accident was pretty serious as it was an 18 wheeler that rear ended me, then I spun and he hit me again on drivers side. A lot of twisting and turning and slamming going on in my car.

Yeah, I literally am gonna straight up ask for a CT scan tomorrow when I see the orthro. I really would like some peace of mind.

Another random question while I got you on here. The prednisone really hasn't been treating my pain much, but I am such a better mood and feel very alive and wanting to be more active the days I have taken the drug. Is that a side effect or just what prednisone can do to you ? I feel soooooo alive and good well being, but still pain in chest

I saw the orthro guy today. He pretty much said what you said, but he thinks its more neurologic than anything. Not sure exactly what that means. he ordered a Cat scan of my sternum area with a marker to be shown on my suspicious rib.

What is your opinion after all this. Like what do you think will show on the CT scan tomorrow morning?

Is there any part of my CT scan I could send you that you could read for me. THey gave me the CD, but I have to wait for the doctors report until tomorrow.

This is what the report said.

"No fracture is seen. No dissassociation at the costosternal junctions. Normal appearance the the sternoclavicular joints bilaterally. There is no substernal hematoma. There is increased soft tissue density within the anterior/superior mediastinum typical a residual thymic tissue. Unremarkable appearance to the visualized portions of the lungs, mostly visualizing the anteromedial lungs, which are contained in the field of view. No pneumotorax is apparent."

With that being said, I met with my neurologist to go over the results. Again, he felt over the area where I am having pain, and he says he can physically feel the rib head popped out of place, even just the slightest. He referred me to a trauma surgeon specialist, who he says will know exactly what the problem is.

Neuro prescribed me lodine, which he says is a bit stronger than advil.

Just curious what your thoughts may be on the whole situation? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.