What is a rib injury?

There are 12 ribs on each side of the chest that protect the heart, lungs, and the upper abdominal conyents. All of the ribs are attached to the vertebrae (backbone) in the rear. In the front, 10 of them are attached to the sternum (breastbone) by pieces of cartilage. Direct blows to the ribs may bruise or break the ribs or injure the rib cartilage.
 The rib may tear away from the cartilage that attaches them to the breastbone. This tearing away from the cartilage is called a costochondral separation.

How does it occur?

Rib injuries usually result from a direct blow to the chest wall. Breaks usually occur in the curved portion of the outer part of the rib cage. A costochondral separation may occur when you land hard on your feet or even when you cough or sneeze violently.

What are the symptoms?

A rib injury causes pain and tenderness over the place of injury. You may have pain when you breathe, move, laugh, or cough.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor will review your symptoms, examine your rib cage, and listen to your lungs. He/she may order a chest x-ray to look for any rib damage, lung damage, or bleeding around the lungs.

How is it treated?

Treatment may include:

• Rest

• Putting an ice pack over the injured rib for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for 2 or 3 days or until the pain goes away

• Taking an anti-inflammatory or other pain medication