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Suggest Remedies For Severe Intense Pain In The Ribs

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Posted on Tue, 23 Aug 2016
Question: Yesterday i was lying prone on beach chair..i attempted to lift my upper body off chair without bending..suddenly felt sharp intense pain and cracking sensation left rib cage under breast area ...intense pain subsided...now tender to touch ...painful to twist ot lift lt arm...some visible differences between left and right..some swelling or protrusion left side...what do you think would cause this and should it resolve on its own?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (55 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
nothing to worry about

Detailed Answer:
Hi Carlsonk
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..
How was your day?
Hope this message finds you in good health.
I have gone through your complaints and understand your concern.

I see two possibilites-

1 It may just be a muscular or fibro-muscular strain, in which the muscless bridging between two ribs are injured/inflammed due to sudden jerk

2. If your bones are weak,ten one of a lower rib might get a hairline fracture due to an awkward jerk.
Though fracture seems less likely, i would suggest you to take rest, apply a rib belt around the ribcage 24 hours a day, local hot fomentation with a analgesic gel, muscle relaxant tablets.

avoid sleeping on the affected side.
If this doesnt help,or if the symptoms worsen, then you should get an xray done to find out the cause.
You should eventually get back to normal in coming few days.Nothing to worry about, as long as i am there to help you.     
I hope your question has been answered.
Feel free to consult me anytime for follow-up queries. Take care,God bless.
Wish you a healthy life : )
If you do not have any clarifications,you can close the discussion.

Kind Regards..
Dr Mahaveer Patil,
Consulting Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon

-     If you were satisfied and happy with my answer ,PLEASE RATE THIS ANSWER AND LEAVE YOUR SINCERE FEEDBACK .

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Mahaveer Patil (14 hours later)
Thank you very much...the pain has decreased ..still cant lift or turn suddenly without discomfort..
My only concern is the protrusion...snall but obvious on affected side...will that go away....i really dont liike to go to md office or xray unless really really needed
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (10 hours later)
Brief Answer:
query answered

Detailed Answer:
hi Carlson
Welcome back
Its good, your pain has decreased. It will definitely go off gradually with rest and belt.
If the protrusion is due to soft tissue swelling/spasm,it will definitely go away.
If its related to bone, then a x-ray will tell the exact picture. I suggest you to continue conservative line for a week . Reassess the pain and protrusion,whether its the same,increasing or decreasing and then if required we can get an x-ray done. Ok?

I hope your question has been answered.
If you have any follow-up queries,feel free to consult me anytime.
If you do not have any clarifications,you can close the discussion. Wish you a good health.Have a great day : )
Take care,God bless.      
YOUR RATING FOR THIS ANSWER MATTERS A LOT AND WILL BE HIGHLY APPRECIATED.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Mahaveer Patil

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 1209 Questions

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Suggest Remedies For Severe Intense Pain In The Ribs

Brief Answer: nothing to worry about Detailed Answer: Hi Carlsonk Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. How was your day? Hope this message finds you in good health. I have gone through your complaints and understand your concern. I see two possibilites- 1 It may just be a muscular or fibro-muscular strain, in which the muscless bridging between two ribs are injured/inflammed due to sudden jerk 2. If your bones are weak,ten one of a lower rib might get a hairline fracture due to an awkward jerk. Though fracture seems less likely, i would suggest you to take rest, apply a rib belt around the ribcage 24 hours a day, local hot fomentation with a analgesic gel, muscle relaxant tablets. avoid sleeping on the affected side. If this doesnt help,or if the symptoms worsen, then you should get an xray done to find out the cause. You should eventually get back to normal in coming few days.Nothing to worry about, as long as i am there to help you. I hope your question has been answered. Feel free to consult me anytime for follow-up queries. Take care,God bless. Wish you a healthy life : ) If you do not have any clarifications,you can close the discussion. Kind Regards.. Dr Mahaveer Patil, Consulting Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon - If you were satisfied and happy with my answer ,PLEASE RATE THIS ANSWER AND LEAVE YOUR SINCERE FEEDBACK .