Rib Fractures
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Rib fractures can be quite painful and can occur from different things. You have 12 pairs of ribs that wrap around your chest. A medical doctor will be the one to diagnose the rib fracture. Once it is established whether or not you have a rib fracture, treatment can begin. One might ask what type of doctor you should see for a rib fracture. Orthopedic physicians can be very helpful with diagnosing rib fractures and treatment programs for rib fractures.
Learn more about Bones in the Chest HERE.
It can be painful to turn or breathe when you have a rib fracture
What Are Common Causes of Rib Fractures
Common causes of rib fracture:
- Car accident
- Fall from a high point
- Severe coughing occasionally
- Medical conditions that can contribute
- Bone weakness
- Elderly population
- Osteoporosis
What Are The Symptoms and/or Pain Associated With A Rib Fracture
Symptoms and/or pain associated with a rib fracture usually occurs or worsens when:
- Breathing deeply
- Coughing or sneezing
- Pressing on the injured area
- Rotating or twisting your body
Treatment of Rib Fractures
Doctors don’t typically recommend compression wraps for rib fractures. Rib fractures normally heal in about 6 to 8 weeks. Pain management after a rib fracture can be important. There are many options such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen which are over the counter pain medications that help treat the pain associated with a rib fracture. Topical treatments such as pain patches or pain creams are another option. Stronger medication like narcotics can be prescribed, but addiction to these is a real risk that may be greater than the benefit compared to over-the-counter medications. Once cleared by your Physician, exercises can be very helpful for you if you had a rib fracture.
Exercises Include:
- Deep breathing to keep the mucus from staying in the lungs and prevent infections or a collapsed lung.
- Step One: Sit upright in a chair with your hands over your fractured rib area. Sometimes a pillow is used for support.
- Step Two: Take a deep breath and slowly and gently let your lungs fill.
- Step Three: Hold your breath for about 10 seconds.
- Step Four: Slowly Exhale.
- Step Five: To gently loosen the mucus cough gently, if not painful.
- Bucket handle breathing to encourage the sides of your ribs to expand and have good motion of all angles.
- Step One: Sit upright in a chair and place your hands on the sides of your ribs.
- Step Two : Inhale slowly to fill up your lungs and feel your hands moving.
- Step Three: Hold for 10 seconds and slowly exhale.
- Chest stretches to help keep the muscles of your chest flexible
- Step One: Sit upright in a chair and clasp your fingers together in front of you.
- Step Two: Gently squeeze your shoulder blades together and hold for 10 seconds.
- Repeat this 5-10 times, if not painful.
Rib fractures do not heal overnight. It is important not to overexert yourself. While the exercises for rib fractures may be slightly uncomfortable, stop them if they are painful. During your recovery if you notice colored or bloody mucus, fever or shortness of breath consult your doctor.
JOI has a fracture and injury service ASAP for treatment of a rib fracture and help you avoid a visit to the emergency room. Learn more about the service HERE.
You don’t have to be suffering from a rib fracture for JOI to help. If you are suffering from any orthopedic injury JOI can help! We have 5 convenient Physician Offices in Northeast Florida. Call 904-JOI-2000 or click the button below to make an appointment and get you on the road to recovery!
By: Joan McCloud, PT