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Suggest Treatment For Stabbing Pain In The Ribs

Posted on Fri, 17 Feb 2017

Question: My husband is experiencing a knife stabbing pain in his rib cage after falling on the corner of a large package about 4 days ago. Worst case scenario, we figure if he has a broken rib there is nothing a doctor can do...or?
xxxx XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Chander Mohan Singh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
If pain or fracture on right side then visit ER.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have read your query.

You haven't mentioned which side of rib cage is in pain due to injury, left or right side.

If pain or fracture is in right side, and no breathing problem then it can be managed conservatively.

If there is breathing problem in addition then its serious.

I want to clear you the point that if there is pain or fracture of ribs on left side with breathing problem then visit emergency room, where doctor will advise you xray chest to see condition of lungs, whether air is present or any collection of fluid is present in lungs along with if fracture of ribs is present or not.

Till then have tab.aceclofenac100mg+thiocolchicoside4mg thrice a day by prescription of your treating doctor.

Apply hot packs.

I hope you got my point.

Thanks,

Dr.CHANDER XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Chander Mohan Singh (1 hour later)

The pain is on the left side but there is no breathing difficulty and the pain is starting to ease up, especially after sitting in our Jacuzzi for a while. So we're going to assume we can treat conservatively unless you advise differently.
Thank you,
Dawn XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Chander Mohan Singh (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for response.

If no breathing problem and pain is easing then no need to worry.

Go conservatively.

Avoid weightlifting.

Enjoy your life.

Thanks,

Dr.CHANDER XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng