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Rib fracture

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

General

A broken rib is a common injury that occurs when one of the bones in your rib cage breaks or cracks. The most common cause is chest trauma, such as from a fall, motor vehicle accident or impact during contact sports.

8 people with Rib fracture

Learn from others who are experiencing Rib fracture.

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Signs & symptoms

The pain associated with a broken rib usually occurs or worsens when you: * Take a deep breath * Press on the injured area * Bend or twist your body

Diagnosis

During the physical exam, your doctor will press gently on your ribs. He or she might also listen to your lungs and watch your rib cage move as you breathe. Your doctor likely will order one or more of the following imaging tests: * X-ray * CT scan * MRI * Bone scan

Treatment

Most broken ribs heal on their own within six weeks. Restricting activities and icing the area regularly can help with healing and pain relief.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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