Broken Rib, Cracked Rib - Rehabilitation and Treatment

A rib fracture often occurs during a direct blow to the chest. This results in a broken or cracked rib. Rehabilitation and treatment are not among the most pleasant periods in life, as a cracked rib takes quite a long time to heal, and the patient may complain of pain that appears during breathing, sneezing, coughing, but also during sudden movements.

How can a rib fracture or crack occur?

Correct mobility of all ribs is the basis for the proper functioning of the respiratory system. Respiratory muscles, together with the diaphragm, help our body breathe correctly. They are responsible for every inhale and exhale. A fracture of this structure can cause problems with proper lung function. Such an injury can happen to anyone. How can a rib fracture or crack occur? A broken or cracked rib can result from a fall, a car accident, or a direct blow to the chest. Damage most often occurs during serious car accidents. There are two basic types of fractures:

• direct trauma.
• compression fracture.

What are the symptoms of a cracked rib?

Diagnosis is extremely important when a cracked rib is suspected. What are the symptoms of a cracked rib? The main symptom is distressing chest pain. It is visible (felt) during inhalation, coughing, but also laughing. Moreover, pain may appear with sudden movements of the spine and can also radiate. Another symptom that should be concerning is swelling at the fracture site, as well as bruising around the crack. Palpable bone fragments or a break in the rib structure can be a very clear symptom. A broken or cracked rib can also cause damage to other chest structures (damage to the lungs, spleen, liver, kidneys, and even the heart).

First aid - what to do if you suspect a cracked rib?

What should our first aid look like? What to do if you suspect a cracked rib? It is advisable to place the patient in a semi-sitting position and call for emergency services. During this time, a compression band or an elastic bandage can be applied (it must not cause discomfort during breathing). The arm on the side of the crack should be immobilized. After being taken to the hospital, an X-ray examination is performed to confirm a fracture, crack, or rib contusion.

Complications and rehabilitation - how long will cracked ribs take to heal?

A rib injury involves complications and rehabilitation. How long will cracked ribs take to heal? If the ribs were damaged without complications, doctors prescribe painkillers and antitussives for several weeks or months. If the complications are serious and intense pain worsens, it may be a pneumothorax, and chest drainage as well as artificial ventilation may be necessary. Rehabilitation is very important, and a physical therapist will teach the patient specific breathing exercises to help reduce strain at the site of the injury.