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PROLOTHERAPY: THE
BEST CHANCE AT CURING
SNAPPING SCAPULA SYNDROME
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
elbow 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
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.
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