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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Had Back Injury. Hurts To Laugh And Cough. Laying On Back Relives The Pain. Have I Broke Ribs?

I fell through a roof today and hit my lower middle right side of my back on a beam. I felt very winded at first but this passed after a while. It hurts to laugh or cough a bit and turning to my right hurts. there is a large red area developing where I hit the beam and laying on my back seems to relieve the pain. I don't think ribs are broken but perhaps bruised? Deep deep breathing in can cause discomfort
Fri, 13 Dec 2013
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Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist 's  Response
Hi,
You will have sustained bruising to your muscles and ribs in the area. You may possibly broken a rib but this would be impossible to know unless you had an x-ray.
I suggest paracetamol and ibuprofen for the pain. Rest if possible. Take some deep breaths every hour to ensure there is good ventilation of your lungs.
Your pain should improve over the next few days. Even if you have broken a rib, the treatment would be the same.
I hope you feel better soon.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger
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Had Back Injury. Hurts To Laugh And Cough. Laying On Back Relives The Pain. Have I Broke Ribs?

Hi, You will have sustained bruising to your muscles and ribs in the area. You may possibly broken a rib but this would be impossible to know unless you had an x-ray. I suggest paracetamol and ibuprofen for the pain. Rest if possible. Take some deep breaths every hour to ensure there is good ventilation of your lungs. Your pain should improve over the next few days. Even if you have broken a rib, the treatment would be the same. I hope you feel better soon. Regards, Dr K A Pottinger