Rib Sprain & Fractures

More than half of thoracic injuries involve rib fractures. Trauma to the chest can cause rib fractures, which are non-life threatening most times, but can obstruct or damage organs within the rib cage or abdomen. In older people, rib fractures most often occur from falling, if only from the height of the person standing. Children and youth can obtain injuries from athletics. Both adults and children can have acquired fractured ribs during a motor vehicle accident. Regardless of who or how a fractured rib happened, fractured ribs can heal on their own in one or two months with proper care and treatment. It's the pain involved that must be managed and special consideration for lung health and the ability to breathe unobstructed and without pain.

It's important that you are properly diagnosed with a rib fracture before planning your course of action, because if any of your major organs are damaged without your knowledge, the consequences can be quite serious. See your doctor following trauma if you have pain when you press on a rib or part of your trunk/abdomen, when you twist or move certain ways or have difficulty breathing. The doctor will likely give you a physical examination, followed by an X-Ray or CT scan to be absolute sure you're moving forward with the best possible treatment.

Many patients are hesitant to fill a prescription for pain management medication, but this case it may be required to allow you to breathe fully and avoid a development of pneumonia. Your doctor may also recommend a support wrap or rib fracture belt to assist your healing in numerous ways. Wearing a support makes it's user more conscious of the form they maintain while moving, which can make a world of difference in further injuring yourself. These supports are commonly worn for back pain or back injury prevention and worn beneath clothing, but worn over-top can indicate to the people around you to be more mindful of your condition as you heal from a rib fracture or injuries to the organs sustained inside the abdomen. Per usual, you want to get plenty of rest during healing and exercise mildly only to keep proper circulation of blood, oxygen and nutrients for optimal healing.