Teen Athlete with T-3 chest and back pain

[millerth]

My 16 year old son, 5'11". 160 lbs is a varsity athlete who competeively runs, plays soccer and body boards.  About one month ago, he started complaining that his chest, on the upper left side hurt when he ran, he described a sharp pain.  We took him to the Dr. who performed a EKG, Chest Cat Scan and Chest x-ray, his results were all normal.  He tried to work through the pain last week, but after running a 5k in a high school meet, he told both school trainers about his chest pain, they both noticed a bulge in that chest area, we took him back to the Dr. who said it might be condroitis, to use aleve.  Today he went to run in his 2nd meet and went from running a 6ish minute mile in 2nd place out of 75 kids to completeing stopping due to chest pain.  Again, the bulge, we took him today to another Dr.  he did a throsis x-ray of the back, noticing that he has point pain in front and back T-3 area, and felt the chest area pushing out,  the x-ray showed a very mild scoliosis in that area, but nothing else.  My son may have injured that area on his body board but doesn't remember anything tramatic.  The doctor said he might have to live with that pain and may not be able to run long distance without pain, he suggested a chriproactor.  Can you please give us some advice and any good news, to a teen that wants to go to college to play sports that comment was a death sentence.
Should we pursue a chiro, any other thoughts?

Thank you

[Adam Tanase, D.C.]

Any number of things could be causing the sensations... caffeine, artificial sweeteners, medications, anxiety... The back pain could be a separate issue altogether.

If the results come back negative, you might consider finding a specialist known as an Upper Cervical Chiropractor. You can find referrals in your area on this site: www.UpCspine.com

Warm wishes,
AT

[deb214]

my 16 year old son is experencing a "tingeling" in his chest. He is Very athletic..football, lacross, and training all year.  I have taken him for an EKG and chest xrays and have not heard the results. He also experences severe pain in his lower back about a month ago.  Can you  enlighten he in any way. thank you

[Adam Tanase, D.C.]

Thank you for your question.

Well, let me start by saying that the comment "live with the pain" is not scripture. So let's not put the cart before the horse by assuming life is over!

I think visiting a chiropractor is a fantastic idea in this case, but let's be judicious about it, and choose carefully.

Email me, or re-post here what your zip code is, and I personally help you find a specialist in your area.

Warm wishes,
AT