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Does Pain In The My Left Rib Cage Indicate Rib Fracture?
Question: I am a 54 male in good shape - last night I just got on my stomach to pick something up under a dresser and I heard crushing/cracking sounds from my left rib cage. I hurts a lot when I lay flat, turn, breath deep breaths and also when I lean forward. The pain is in the front area right under my left breast down to the bottom rib cage. Not like I took a fall or anything but was just wondering what this could be -
Brief Answer:
ADVICE FOR CHEST PAIN FOLLOWING SUDDEN FORWARD BEND
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query in healthcaremagic.com
This is Dr. Swarnava dattagupta answering your query.
I understand your concern.
See, rib fracture following sudden bending forward is not common and rather it is unlikely unless you are very heavy and unfit or you have got a very weak bony system in cases like osteoporosis or osteogenesis imperfecta. You have yourself said that you are in good shape; so its unlikely. But chances cannot be ruled out.
Rather a chance of muscle sprain is quite possible and such sprains are common when you do sudden and hyperextended or hyperflexed movements like sudden bending forward or stretching to get to something.
I would suggest you to do the following-
Rest for 5 days
Avoid movements, mostly stretching and hyperextension and hyperflexion
Apply ice twice or thrice daily for 2-3 days
Take ibuprofen as you were taking
Add pantoprazole tablets before food
Get a CHEST XRAY AP AND LATETAL VIEW done
Contact me with the reports or visit your doctor if pain and discomfort does not decrease.
Hope i have answered your question.
If you have any further questions i will be happy to help.
Regards
ADVICE FOR CHEST PAIN FOLLOWING SUDDEN FORWARD BEND
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query in healthcaremagic.com
This is Dr. Swarnava dattagupta answering your query.
I understand your concern.
See, rib fracture following sudden bending forward is not common and rather it is unlikely unless you are very heavy and unfit or you have got a very weak bony system in cases like osteoporosis or osteogenesis imperfecta. You have yourself said that you are in good shape; so its unlikely. But chances cannot be ruled out.
Rather a chance of muscle sprain is quite possible and such sprains are common when you do sudden and hyperextended or hyperflexed movements like sudden bending forward or stretching to get to something.
I would suggest you to do the following-
Rest for 5 days
Avoid movements, mostly stretching and hyperextension and hyperflexion
Apply ice twice or thrice daily for 2-3 days
Take ibuprofen as you were taking
Add pantoprazole tablets before food
Get a CHEST XRAY AP AND LATETAL VIEW done
Contact me with the reports or visit your doctor if pain and discomfort does not decrease.
Hope i have answered your question.
If you have any further questions i will be happy to help.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Pradeep Vitta
Answered by
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