Suggest Treatment For Pain In Lower Rib Cage After Injury

Posted on Tue, 30 Jun 2015

Question: I just had a blunt trauma of my chest, at the position where the lower rib cage most prominent at front view. There was a clear pop sound, followed by mild pain. I noticed that my rib cage is no longer symmetrical, with the injured side lower than normal. I checked online, and think the most likely possibility is costochondral separation or rib fracture (injury of some kind) of the 9th rib. I'm 71, female. I don't have problems breathing, but moving, coughing and laughing cause mild pain. There is mild tenderness. Do I need to go to E.R. or see my family physician? (It may take weeks for an appointment with him.) From what I learned online, it seems that the only treatment are pain killers.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Apply warm water pad on affected area.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your concern.
Yes, you are right about treatment option. Even if you are having rib fracture, surgery is not required. Only painkillers and muscle relaxant are required.
Along with drugs, you should avoid heavyweight lifting, strenuous exercise.
Also avoid bad postures during sleep and movements causing pain.
Apply warm water pad on affected site .
All these will give you better symptomatic relief.
If you are not improving by all these in 1-2 weeks then get done chest x ray to rule out internal lung damage.
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