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Suggest Treatment For Back Pain After Rib Injury
Question: Hi Dr. XXXX,
I broke a couple ribs in a car accident almost two years ago. There was no treatment; they were just allowed to heal. Now, I have a pain in my back, left side, just where those ribs hurt before. It hurts most when I sit; not when I lie down or stand up. I've had an x-ray to make sure nothing else is wrong. I see a chiropractor and that used to help, but it just hurts all the time now. Is this a lasting pain from the broken ribs? Is there anything I can do to completely relieve it?
I broke a couple ribs in a car accident almost two years ago. There was no treatment; they were just allowed to heal. Now, I have a pain in my back, left side, just where those ribs hurt before. It hurts most when I sit; not when I lie down or stand up. I've had an x-ray to make sure nothing else is wrong. I see a chiropractor and that used to help, but it just hurts all the time now. Is this a lasting pain from the broken ribs? Is there anything I can do to completely relieve it?
Brief Answer:
intercostal nerve block, thoracic surgeon consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
Broken ribs are usually left to heal on their own just as you described. Use of rib binders or too much pain with breathing movements can lead atelectasis and subsequently pneumonia. As a result of the fracture, the periosteum of bone and intercostal muscles get damaged. The neurovascular bundle along the inferior surface of the rib can get stretched as a result of improper healing or excess scarring. A Cardiothoracic surgeon can be consulted to look for any possible intervention in this regard. For pain management, intercostal blocks can be advised especially if its interfering with breathing or sleep. For chronic neuropathic pain, gabapentin or duloxetine are suitable options. Vitamin B 12 and calcium/vitamin d supplementation can be done in addition especially if found deficient.
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Let me know if you have any query
Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.
For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107
Dr. M.S. Khalil
intercostal nerve block, thoracic surgeon consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
Broken ribs are usually left to heal on their own just as you described. Use of rib binders or too much pain with breathing movements can lead atelectasis and subsequently pneumonia. As a result of the fracture, the periosteum of bone and intercostal muscles get damaged. The neurovascular bundle along the inferior surface of the rib can get stretched as a result of improper healing or excess scarring. A Cardiothoracic surgeon can be consulted to look for any possible intervention in this regard. For pain management, intercostal blocks can be advised especially if its interfering with breathing or sleep. For chronic neuropathic pain, gabapentin or duloxetine are suitable options. Vitamin B 12 and calcium/vitamin d supplementation can be done in addition especially if found deficient.
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Let me know if you have any query
Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.
For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107
Dr. M.S. Khalil
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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