What Causes Chest Pain While Taking Deep Breaths Post Injury?

Posted on Mon, 26 Oct 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 26 Oct 2015 Answered on

Mon, 16 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I fell a week ago on the right side of my lower back against a concrete step. I thought the pain would go away by now. I didn't go to the hospital because I know you take X-rays, say it's cracked or bruised, and there's nothing that can be done, but should it last this long? Hurts when I cough, in bed, turn my upper torso but there wasn't any bruising.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possible rib Fractures. Needs icing, pain killers

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

Thanks for the query.

Do you have any shortness of breath ?

Do you have pain in taking in a deep breath ?

It is quite possible toy may have fractured your ribs and associated soft tissue damage.

Usually rib Fractures are treated conservatively with pain killers and avoiding lying on the affected side of it really hurts. Sometimes lying on the affected side while sleeping can give a splinting effect and can reduce the pain.

This could take 4 to 6 weeks for Complete recovery and got should begin to find relief in s couple of weeks if you are careful. Apply ice to the painful region and take pain killers. If you develop shortness of breath, kindly consult your Doctor.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj