Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Having Pain In The Rib Cage After Bending Into The Washing Machine. Suffer Pain. Remedy?
Question: I was bending into my washing machine which was very deep and I placed my chest/ribs against the side of the machine and kept reaching which caused major pressure on the left side of my rib cage. I felt a horrible pain and it seemed that the left side of my rib cage lifted up. It has been a week and since I have had broken ribs before, I know it takes long to heal. The pain is extreme and is not getting any better . . .
YYYY@YYYY
YYYY@YYYY
Brief Answer:
You could have suffered a Rib fracture.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing to XXXXXXX
Based on the description of symptoms, I suspect either a fracture of the ribs or Intercostal muscle strain.
An xray of the involved region will show up a fracture.
The general treatment guidelines either for intercostal muscle strain or rib fracture is as follows -
* avoid lying on the affected side while in supine position
* Rest to the local part and don't involve in activities that produces pain
* Use Ice packing over the painful area once in 2 hours as it numbs the area thereby decreasing pain perception and also reduces swelling.
* Gentle massaging of the painful area with pain killer creams
* supporting your chest with a pillow if you need to cough
* Don't wrap any bandage tightly around your chest, as this will stop your lungs expanding properly and may lead to lung infections
* over the counter pain medications like Advil or Aleve will help in relieving pain as well as inflammation.
Generally, these conditions may take around 4-6 weeks to heal completely.
Hope I have addressed your query. Happy to help further
Regards
You could have suffered a Rib fracture.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing to XXXXXXX
Based on the description of symptoms, I suspect either a fracture of the ribs or Intercostal muscle strain.
An xray of the involved region will show up a fracture.
The general treatment guidelines either for intercostal muscle strain or rib fracture is as follows -
* avoid lying on the affected side while in supine position
* Rest to the local part and don't involve in activities that produces pain
* Use Ice packing over the painful area once in 2 hours as it numbs the area thereby decreasing pain perception and also reduces swelling.
* Gentle massaging of the painful area with pain killer creams
* supporting your chest with a pillow if you need to cough
* Don't wrap any bandage tightly around your chest, as this will stop your lungs expanding properly and may lead to lung infections
* over the counter pain medications like Advil or Aleve will help in relieving pain as well as inflammation.
Generally, these conditions may take around 4-6 weeks to heal completely.
Hope I have addressed your query. Happy to help further
Regards
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
Dr. K. Naga Ravi Prasad
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement
Practicing since :1996
Answered : 2148 Questions
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
