Suggest Treatment For Blunt Chest Trauma

Posted on Wed, 6 Jan 2016

Question: I fell down a flight of wooden stairs 3 days ago. My rib cage took most of the impact. Obviously they are tender....no bruising.......but the pain has intensified. I am painless when sitting but the minute I go to get up or move a certain way the pain takes my breath away. I applied ice to 24 hours and there only seems to be a knot in one place on my left side. I was nauseous on the first day but that has subsided. At this point should I ice it or heat it. I am a 60 yr old female in otherwise great health.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Better to apply warm water pad on affected areas.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
You are having musculoskeletal pain due to blunt chest trauma.
Follow these steps for better symptomatic relief.
1. Apply warm water pad on affected areas.
2. Take painkiller and muscle relaxant drugs.
3. Avoid heavyweight lifting and strenuous exercise.
4. Avoid bad postures in sleep.
5. Avoid movements causing pain.
6. Wear rib belt to prevent minimal mobilization of affected areas.
Application of heat is more useful than ice.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar