I am a 68 year old male of approximately 200 lbs. at 5'10" in height. Approximately 17 months ago my light truck was struck in the rear at about 50 mph while I was stopped to make a left-hand turn. I suffered 8 broken ribs and a minor head injury from the impact. The ribs healed in about 4 months and I felt well. About one month ago, I started to experience significant pain in the back at the ribs. After 2 days the pain subsided and I returned to normal. Several days later, the pain returned, lasted 2 days and gradually subsided.

My questions are these: (1) Is it common (normal)for the pain of a rib injury like I have suffered to return periodically; (2) Is there anything that can be done to aleviate the pain when it does occur, and (3) For how long can I expect the pain to continue to return or is the pain something that will continue to reoccur for an indefinite time?
Thanks for your advice.