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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Rib Pain After Falling On Back?

My porch swing broke and I dropped me onto my back. 4 days later, my front ribs (under my right breast) are very painful and tender. It hurts to breath deeply, lift groceries, sneeze and cough. Is it normal to land on your back and be hurting in the front?
Wed, 9 Sep 2015
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Orthopaedic Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi there. Thanks for your question at HCM.

Yes it is possible to hurt in front after falling on your back(more so in the chest area). The ribs are log structures extending form the back at the area of your spine to the front till the area of your sternum. Since it is a continuous structure it is possible that force transmission can happen along the bone during a fall and it can break either at point of contact or further upfront. I would suggest you to meet your physician for an x ray to confirm the same. At the least based on your x ray you will require a rib belt and analgesics.

Hope this helps.

All the best. Regards.

Dr.SBK
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What Causes Rib Pain After Falling On Back?

Hi there. Thanks for your question at HCM. Yes it is possible to hurt in front after falling on your back(more so in the chest area). The ribs are log structures extending form the back at the area of your spine to the front till the area of your sternum. Since it is a continuous structure it is possible that force transmission can happen along the bone during a fall and it can break either at point of contact or further upfront. I would suggest you to meet your physician for an x ray to confirm the same. At the least based on your x ray you will require a rib belt and analgesics. Hope this helps. All the best. Regards. Dr.SBK