typical angina pain

Rib Pain from Cracked Ribs

The terms “broken ribs” and “cracked ribs” are used interchangeably by most people.

For purposes of this article, we’ll consider a cracked rib to be what medical professionals would call a partial fracture. In other words, the two sides of the crack have not completely separated.

No matter what you decide to call it, rib pain from a cracked rib can be quite intense.

There are several common causes for cracked ribs.

Injury – Anytime the ribs are struck by lot of force, a crack can occur. Typically, rib injuries occur due to auto accidents and bodily damage related to participation in athletics. Cracked ribs happen sometimes to those who play American football because of the nature of the game. Contact takes place at great force sometimes. This can also be true at certain levels of soccer, and even in “non-contact” sports like basketball (where a lot of contact often occurs, especially at the college and professional levels).

Over exertion – Cracked ribs can also happen when you try to lift, push, or pull something that’s too heavy for you. Doing the same motion over and over can also contribute to cracked ribs, especially if the motion is strenuous and goes on for an extended period of time.

A variety of disorders and conditions have been connected to a higher risk causing cracked ribs, including osteoporosis, costochondritis, pleurisy, and certain types of cancer.

A severe and persistent cough can also result in a cracked rib. This is fairly rare, but definitely not out of the question.

How to Know If You Have a Cracked Rib

In most cases, it doesn’t take long to realize you may have cracked a rib. Ribcage pain is intense pain: some people state that it’s similar to the pain of a gunshot wound. Many individuals who have had cracked ribs will tell you that it’s the worst pain that they have ever experienced. Trying to do the simplest tasks can be excruciating. Just breathing can be extremely distressing.

There’s also a secondary danger: cracked ribs can limit your ability to breathe, which can lead to pneumonia.

Ways to Treat Cracked Ribs

The standard treatment for cracked ribs used to be wrapping the torso to hold the ribs in place. The idea was the immobilize the ribs (to the best degree possible) so they could heal.  Doctors no longer do this because it limits breathing and increases the risk of pneumonia.

These days, your options for treatment of cracked ribs are limited. All you can do it wait it out and let your body heal itself.

In the meantime, your doctor can suggest pain medications to help you get through it. Sometimes cracked ribs heal in as little as two weeks – but two months is more likely in most cases.

Angina vs. Pain from a Cracked Rib

Because the pain of a cracked rib may sometimes feel like angina (the chest pain that accompanies a heart attack), it is important to make sure you get professional medical help as soon as pain begins. There is a distinct difference in the pain types – but it’s best to let a doctor or trained medical personnel make a diagnosis.

One of the classic signs of heart trouble is a generalized squeezing sensation in the chest. Numbness in the left arm is also typical.

Other symptoms of a heart attack include jaw pain, shortness of breath, and perspiration. If you experience these symptoms along with discomfort anywhere in your ribcage – don’t ignore it – be safe and get it checked out as soon as possible.

About the Author

George McKenzie is a former TV news anchor, medical reporter and radio talk show host.

typical angina pain

Filed under: Angina Pectoris

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