I have a split sternum. what treatments are available, also is it dangerous to just LIVE WITH IT?
962986
are struggling to breathe over there??\n\nwell if you havent been to the doctor yet GO!\nif you have then its probably not a bad split and it will grow together in bout 4-6 weeks so limit excessive movement in that area eg. trunk rotation or unilateral arm movements-do bilateral ones instead. \n\nliving with this is gonna be painful tho!
934519
Wow. That sounds horrible. I would suggest talking to someone on your medical team about this, they should be helping you with rehabilitation or any medical concerns that are a result of your surgery.\nDo you have access to a physiotherapist in relation to your surgery, surely they could suggest ways you can help your balance, I'm sure loss of balance must occur from time to time after this type of surgery?\n\nI wish you luck. I recently had breast cancer and had to have surgery and chemotherapy and radiation and I can empathise with having to deal with the after effects of this.\nIf this is cancer related, do you have a 'cancer society' that will help you, in terms of support and getting you information? In my country we have the cancer society who help people who have had cancer.\n\nall the best, and remember your spirit and your faith will get you through.\nLOVE LIFE\n\nxx
124265
You should find a good chiropractor. If it is a problem with a disk you may not be able to do anything except going through surgury. Surgury is usually extremely painful so you have to weigh your options and decide if it is really worth it.
940027
Chiropractic adjustments are one of the safest forms of healthcare.  However, like all 'interventions' there is some risk.  \n\nThe most common 'risk' is a few days of soreness as the body/muscles adjust to the change in function.  A rare risk is the possibility of 'separating a rib' (known as a costo-chondral separation).  This is painful (like a broken rib) for about 3 to 6 weeks, but normally heals on its own without any long-term complications.\n\nAn extremely rare risk is damage to the vertebral arteries in the neck.  This can result in a stroke-like syndrome.  This condition is so rare that numerous studies in the early 1990s were unable to determine how often it actually occurs (scientifically known as 'incidence').  More people are killed by lightening strikes in the U.S. each year than are injured by this very rare event.\n\nFor comparison, it has been reported in the scientific literature that common pain killers like Advil and Motrin KILL at least 16,500 Americans every year (and the number may be as high as 30,000).  The Journal of the American Medical Association just reported last week that serious side-effects from prescription drugs cause over 700,000 emergency room visits every year.  So, by any comparative standard, Chiropractic spinal adjusting is very, very safe.\n\nBest wishes.  Hope this is helpful for you.  I am a retired Chiropractor.
906680
You might try an ACE bandage snugly wrapped around the injured muscle.  But don't wrap it so tight that you can't take deep breaths, that could cause you to get pneumonia.  You may also want to go to a medical supply store and see if they have anything that they could recommend.  I've pulled chest muscles and it HURTS!  I feel your pain.
991900
I'd rather look for a treatment against the cause...\n\nGo for a manual one-time treatment called Atlasprofilax. The effect on the self-healing power of the body is simply amazing - own experience. :-)\n\nJust - the treatment is available in California and Europe only, costing approx. 220 dollars. It's really worth travelling far.
602706
Massage and yoga. Both are extremely effective. I have friends that have tried and they had scoliosis before. It is perfect now. Perfect back. I STRONGLY recommend it
624294
Not likely:\n\nhttp://www.spinegroup.com/Advice/NkCrk.html\n\nthis is a good, plain English site about "neck cracking"== not a good thing to do, but you won't kill yourself.
338370
You are not actually cracking your sternum, but a joint between your sternum and your xyphoid process.  I don't see how it could feel good to crack that joint, but that is up to you.  If you have pain in your chest when you do it, stop doing it, but other than that, no harm done.
906507
U better consult a good surgeon for this opinion coz its a very life risky problem,coz there r many treatments for this case but depending on the patient's condition n severity a specific treatment or medications can be undertaken.
860381
very dangerous, seek an specialist be for taking that remedy\n\n:> peace\n.
524351
As long as you can put your chin to your chest, you're okay. \n\nGet the Thermacare wraps. They ROCK.
69968
This is a question for your doctor. No one tell you how to heal yourself. You need professional advise. It depends on how you are healing. Doctors must take X-rays and physical therophy (spelling?). I suppose you must excercise according to a specialist instructions. I would consult the doctor would did the shoulder replacement. Never take advise just from any lay person this could cause complications that could have permenant damage on your health and shoulder. Do the right thing please :)/
177897
Expensive Painful Life threatening Surgery!\nFind SOMETHING to do that gets you exercise and replaces food or get the surgery.
796862
Hi well you could off done a few things,fracture,dislocation,torn ligaments.You need to get to your gp or A/E and see one off the drs,they will examine your finger and send you for an x-ray,then the right treatment will be given.In the mean time take regular pain relief ibrufen is better as it has anti-inflammatory in,strap the finger next to the next with plaster but not to tight as u will restrict the circulation,try and keep the finger up resting on your chest.Get medical advise soon as you may have a fracture or dislocation some times this affects the blood circulation.Good Luck
744078
There is such a thing as condyll-costeritis?!? Can't remember how they spelled it. My sister had it. It is an inflammation in the sternum, and it is, according to her, painful, and with radiating symptoms. I guess it could occur with anyone. But, if you are not satisfied with what the doctor has told you, go to another, until they can satisfactorily tell you what it is. Good Luck!!!!
918597
That happens to me too, after I make any sudden movements. I don't think you're going to drop dead from a heart attack any second now, but I do think if you don't do something about it it could lead to heart/chest problems later in life. I'm assuming it's your heart, unless you have a broken upper rib right in the middle of your chest. It's good that you've gone to a doctor to check things out, because you're better safe than sorry. If looking to be on the safe side, you should probably just drink lots of water and eat bananas or something because water flushes all of the bad toxins out of your body.