SNAPPING SCAPULA SYNDROME

PROLOTHERAPY APPOINTMENT INFO Caring Medical and Rehabilitation Services Oak Park 708-848-7789
ASK A QUESTION	FREE PROLOTHERAPY NEWSLETTER	Prolotherapy Books
PROLOTHERAPY: THE BEST CHANCE AT CURING SNAPPING SCAPULA SYNDROME Ross Hauser, M.D. Snapping scapula syndrome, also known as scapulocostal syndrome or scapulothoracic syndrome, is characterized by a grating, grinding, popping or snapping sensation of the scapula onto the back side of the ribs or thoracic area of the spine. The condition can be quite painful and is extremely irritating. The normal treatments of NSAIDS, cortisone, trigger point injections, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and surgery often lead to suboptimal results. In my experience, Prolotherapy is the best chance a person has for a cure of this condition. So what causes the scapula to snap? The most common condition a traditional medical doctor thinks of is weakness of the serratus anterior muscle. This can cause a winging of the scapula, which then can snap. Typically this is from a long thoracic nerve injury which typically improves over time. If a person holds out their hands in front of them with the elbows extended and does not notice a winging of their scapula (or someone behind them doesn’t notice it), then this is not the problem. The typical physical therapy approach to snapping scapula syndrome, scapulocostal syndrome, or scapulothoracic syndrome is to strengthen the serratus anterior muscle and/or put the person through a scapular stabilization exercise program. While this is helpful (even when someone undergoes Prolotherapy) it is rarely curative. For the person to be cured of this condition, they will often require Prolotherapy. Again the question: So what causes the scapula to snap? What, realistically, could cause the scapula to start rubbing against a rib? It is likely going to come from some injury to the scapula. This is quite doubtful, yet, almost 100% of the traditional treatments are given to the scapula or the muscles that attach to the scapula. Doctors inject cortisone into and around the scapula. People get trigger point injections or massage therapy to break up “scar tissue.” While this approach gives some temporary relief, it is rarely curative. Remember I said that this condition can be quite painful and is extremely irritating. Trust me, when people spend a lot of money on therapies that are helpful, but not curative, when they believe they are going to get cured, this is also quite irritating. For the person with snapping scapula syndrome, the best alternative treatment, in my opinion, is Prolotherapy. In my opinion, the most likely cause of the majority of snapping scapula syndrome, scapulocostal syndrome, and scapulothoracic syndrome is a slipping rib. A rib that is too mobile will surely rub on the underneath side of the scapula. When the person gets chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation, it feels better for awhile, but, again, the snapping returns. The snapping comes back because the ligaments that attach the ribs to the vertebrae (costovertebral ligaments) remain injured. Prolotherapy treatments to these ligaments that are causing the snapping scapula syndrome can cure the condition. So how do rib-vertebrae ligaments get injured? 1. Coughing: Have you ever coughed hard? Especially when you are sick? Anything that increases intrathoracic pressure like a cough or valsava maneuver (yes, like during a bowel movement) can cause those ligaments to stretch or be torn. 2. Trauma: Obviously any trauma to the side or onto a rib could injure it. Anyone who has had a hockey stick or elbow to the side or the ribs can end up with snapping scapula syndrome. Sometimes it caused by open heart surgery or lung surgeries. Any surgery that involves cracking open a rib or the chest can stretch those ligaments. 3. What about pregnancy? If this condition (snapping scapula syndrome) occurred after pregnancy, then most likely it started as a rib that is too mobile and is rubbing beneath the scapula. During pregnancy the body produces a lot of relaxin, which is the hormone that causes ligaments to get lax or stretch so the baby can come out the vagina. During the last part of the labor there is a lot of pushing by the mother to get the baby out, and this can cause injury to the rib-vertebrae junction. Such a person needs Prolotherapy to correct it. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with snapping scapula syndrome, scapulocostal syndrome, or scapulothoracic syndrome, consider telling them about Prolotherapy. Prolotherapy is a technique that stimulates the body to repair painful areas. Specifically, it involves injections into ligament/bone interfaces to stimulate ligaments to repair. Ligaments are bands of collagen that provide stability to joints like the rib-vertebrae junction. Prolotherapy to the costovertebral junctions can cure snapping scapula syndrome. Typically, a person is seen every four weeks for four to six visits to achieve a complete cure. If you are interested in making an appointment, feel free to give our office a call at 708-848-7789.

Caring Medical and Rehabilitation Services Learn about us Or Call 708-848-7789
Ross Hauser, M.D. Dr. Hauser received his M.D. from the University of Illinois, Chicago; completed his residency at Loyola-Hines VA-Marianjoy Hospitals in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; and received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Hauser is the Medical Director and co-founder of the physician-run, comprehensive natural medicine clinic, Caring Medical & Rehabilitation Services in Oak Park, Illinois. Dr. Hauser is one of the leading experts in the treatment of chronic pain and sports injuries with Prolotherapy. He, along with his wife Marion, have written seven books on the topic of Prolotherapy, a comprehensive book on the natural medicine approach to cancer, as well as a myriad of articles and newsletters for the general public. Read more Ask A QUESTION
FREE Prolotherapy e-newsletters Free weekly privacy maintained newsletter on Prolotherapy and other non-surgical options for the treatment of chronic pain.
Our Prolotherapy Books - Read about them here Prolo Your Pain Away The 3rd edition to the original classic! Read the book that has changed chronic pain management forever. Prolo Your Pain Away! details in common lay language the conditions that can be cured with Prolotherapy including arthritis, back pain, migraines, neck pain, fibromyalgia, spastic torticollis, osteoporosis fracture pain, whiplash, sports injuries, loose joints, TMJ, tendonitis, sciatica, herniated discs, and more!
Prolotherapy Risks	Prolotherapy Doctors	What is Prolotherapy?	Prolotherapy.org
Prolotherapy Books	Prolonews Home Page	PROLOTHERAPY BLOGS	Hauser Diet

POWER OVER PAIN
THE CARE OF THE PATIENT BEGINS WITH CARING
© 1999-2008 Site owned and operated by
Caring Medical and Rehabilitation Services,
715 Lake Street Suite 600 Oak Park, IL 60301 708-848-7789

The information on this website is presented as information only and not a self-help guide NOR AS SPECIFIC HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS. Never alter or change your health management or begin any new health plans without first consulting your personal health care provider. Some statements on this site regarding the value of nutritional supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

As with any medical technique, Prolotherapy may not be effective for every individual and there are risks involved, these risks should be discussed with your physician. Results achieved with some may not be typical of all. Please consult a physician. Please read Prolotherapy Risks

There is no known cure for arthritis. Prolotherapy and nutritional supplements can help alleviate, reverse, or end arthritic pain by treating an underlying cause that contributes to degenerative disease, ligament laxity. Strengthening ligaments and other connective tissue can help prevent bone on bone arthritis from developing.