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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Pain In The Rib Cage While Breathing?

I fell 2 days ago and had to get stitches in my chin. At the time both sides of my rib cage hurt a bit but not exceedingly so. A chest xray was done but showed no breaks. This morning I can hardly get my breath because both sides of my ribs hurt so much. Could I have a broken rib (s)? I am 52yo 5-11 220 lbs.
Tue, 12 Apr 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for asking. I understand your concern.
with X ray reveling no cage fracture, there may not be major bone / rib injury.. still hair line fractures( which may not be seen in simple Xray ) can cause lot of pain & discomfort.
CT scan/ MRI would help to pin point the cause ( condition of ribs/ lungs )
& then specific treatment would be possible under guidance of a orthopedic/ chest physician
thanks.
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What Causes Pain In The Rib Cage While Breathing?

Hi, Thanks for asking. I understand your concern. with X ray reveling no cage fracture, there may not be major bone / rib injury.. still hair line fractures( which may not be seen in simple Xray ) can cause lot of pain & discomfort. CT scan/ MRI would help to pin point the cause ( condition of ribs/ lungs ) & then specific treatment would be possible under guidance of a orthopedic/ chest physician thanks.