The left side of my rib cage is KILLING me, its been 8 months and I feel I hurt it when I carried something extremely heavy at work (I m a 21 yr old female) now it is sticking out, inflammation and I am constantly on pain meds just so I can function... What can I do? Should I be getting an MRI? I know nothing can be really done about broken/bruised/cracked ribs but may this be a more serious issue? Please help. Thank you.
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Yes, you should definitely consult an orthopedic doctor for this. You need to get done at least chest X-ray. If it is normal then no need for MRI or CT scan. The possibility of musculoskeletal pain is more likely. So follow these steps for better symptomatic relief in musculoskeletal pain.
1. Avoid heavyweight lifting and strenuous exercise. 2. Avoid movements causing pain. Avoid sudden jerky movements of the chest. 3. Sit with proper back support. 4. Apply warm water pad on affected areas of the chest. 5. Take painkiller and muscle relaxant drugs like Ibuprofen and Thiocolchicoside. Don't worry, you will be alright with all these in 1-2 weeks.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards, Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar
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Experiencing Heaviness On Ribs And Inflamation
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Yes, you should definitely consult an orthopedic doctor for this. You need to get done at least chest X-ray. If it is normal then no need for MRI or CT scan. The possibility of musculoskeletal pain is more likely. So follow these steps for better symptomatic relief in musculoskeletal pain. 1. Avoid heavyweight lifting and strenuous exercise. 2. Avoid movements causing pain. Avoid sudden jerky movements of the chest. 3. Sit with proper back support. 4. Apply warm water pad on affected areas of the chest. 5. Take painkiller and muscle relaxant drugs like Ibuprofen and Thiocolchicoside. Don t worry, you will be alright with all these in 1-2 weeks. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar