Question 1

how painful is a rib cage fracture and what are its implications?

Accepted Answer

Very: Because your ribs move each time you breathe, rib fractures areusually very painful for a few weeks.  While no casting or direct treatment is usually required, they will be sorefor several weeks after the injury.  Most of the treatment is geared towards pain.

Question 2

will an xray of the rib cage appear different between bruised&fractured ribs and what would the difference be? can xray show organ damage?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no: An x-ray can show a fracture of the ribs but will not show a bruise.  However, rib fractures can be hard to see and may be missed.  Which organ are you referring to? Organ damage is hard to see on x-ray depending on the organ. Lung damage can be seen but you will need a CT scan with Contrast to see Liver, spleen or kidney damage.

Question 3

i have three compression fractures in my vertebrae due to osteo.  too old for surgery.  rib cage pain and feel like i am breaking into.  i have brace.

Accepted Answer

Endocrinologist: Seeing a specialist that deals with metabolic bone disease is where i would start. They can see what treatments you have taken for osteoporosis and see if they can modify those treatments to avoid future fractures.

Question 4

7 years ago i suddenly got the most intense pain i've ever experienced in my left rib cage that lasted for 6-8 weeks. pain improved a bit but the soreness never went away over that one rib. can a rib fracture really cause this long lasting problems?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If there was a rib fracture, it takes time to heal. Take Vitamin D supplements and calcium. An imaging study to confirm that there is no mass and that the fracture is healing well is advised.

Question 5

took a hit from a knee to the left rib cage  a week agoeveryday hurts worst, no hematoma i can breathe right but hurts when i press on area. fracture?

Accepted Answer

Fracture is possible: A knee to the rib cage can indeed result in a fracture.  The only way to be certain would be a chest x-ray, but it is not necessarily indicated since it would not change management at this stage.  Warm compresses anti-inflammatory meds and eliminating any activities that can worsen it should be avoided.  Expect it to resolve in several weeks even if there is a fracture present.

Question 6

my husband has a chronic pain just below the centre of his breasts and the pain extends down along the left and right side of the rib cage?

Accepted Answer

Pain: Your husband needs to see his doctor to determine the cause of the pain.  If that has been done he can then do a search on the net for the the work of John Sarno, MD, who has a mind-body approach to pain and many books available.  Peace and good health.

Question 7

have pain in middle of rib cage when i press down. pain extends to under right rib cage but not left. chronic constipation and lately loud growling ?

Accepted Answer

The splenic flexure-: -of the colon is on the left side under the ri the cage. The noise U hear is air passing your constipated stool &amp; is normal. When your push on the mid or left side you are purchasing stool &amp; air along, and this dilates the colon &amp; that dilates the bowel wzll &amp; this is very sensitive to pressure, so you feel pain, also a deep breath does the same thing. Add fiber &amp; drink lots of water. This helps.

Question 8

chronic pain below left rib cage, and in my left shoulder blade. been going on 1+ years and ruined posture. never been this bad, what could it be?

Accepted Answer

It could be.....: time to close your computer and call your physician for an exam and blood evaluation. I sit possible that you have not been seen or examined for more than a year?
What could it be?: quite serious if never evaluated- do it asap.

Question 9

what organ is under the bottom edge of the rib cage on the left side of the body? pain from a knot under the bottom edge of the rib cage on the left side of my body. once the knot goes away so does the pain. getting worse. i am also a chronic pain patient

Accepted Answer

Consider Colon Spasm: Organs associated with left side of body beneath anterior rib cage are colon and spleen. A "knot" could be somatic (muscle) dysfunction related to visceral (organ) disturbance. If persistent, get abdominal x-ray, us, and/or ct scan. If intermittent, consider colon pain due to gas or spasm. In this case, use high dose of good quality acidophilus, along with bulk laxative (psyllim). Take separately.

Question 10

annoying chronic tender pain on ruq area or below right side rib cage what could it be?

Accepted Answer

Gallbladder disease: RUQ pain can be from Gallbladder disease or Liver disease,and sometimes due to Acid reflux,
watch if associated with eating or lack of eating

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Doctor answers about:

Chronic fracture in rib cage

A member asked:

How painful is a rib cage fracture and what are its implications?

A member asked:

Will an xray of the rib cage appear different between bruised&fractured ribs and what would the difference be? can xray show organ damage?

A member asked:

I have three compression fractures in my vertebrae due to osteo. too old for surgery. rib cage pain and feel like i am breaking into. i have brace.

A member asked:

7 years ago i suddenly got the most intense pain i've ever experienced in my left rib cage that lasted for 6-8 weeks. pain improved a bit but the soreness never went away over that one rib. can a rib fracture really cause this long lasting problems?

A member asked:

Took a hit from a knee to the left rib cage a week agoeveryday hurts worst, no hematoma i can breathe right but hurts when i press on area. fracture?

A member asked:

My husband has a chronic pain just below the centre of his breasts and the pain extends down along the left and right side of the rib cage?

A member asked:

Have pain in middle of rib cage when i press down. pain extends to under right rib cage but not left. chronic constipation and lately loud growling ?

A member asked:

Chronic pain below left rib cage, and in my left shoulder blade. been going on 1+ years and ruined posture. never been this bad, what could it be?

A member asked:

What organ is under the bottom edge of the rib cage on the left side of the body? pain from a knot under the bottom edge of the rib cage on the left side of my body. once the knot goes away so does the pain. getting worse. i am also a chronic pain patient

A member asked:

Annoying chronic tender pain on ruq area or below right side rib cage what could it be?

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