Diagnosis of rib pain
In order to find out where the rib pain comes from, various causes must be excluded. For example, external palpation of the ribs can already lead away if the rib is broken. Inspection of the body can also provide information if the rib pain is caused, for example, by a body malposition or tension.
On the one hand, X-rays can show a broken rib, on the other hand, they can also show, for example, pneumonia, which can cause rib pain especially when coughing and breathing in. However, the most important thing is an exact anamnesis, from which many causes can already be excluded. As outlined below, information on the localization of the pain and any accompanying symptoms can already be used to narrow down the causes of the pain considerably.
Treatment of rib pain
Depending on the disease underlying the rib pain, it must be treated accordingly. If a rib fracture is present, pain therapy is the main focus; if it is a complicated fracture, surgery may be necessary. Intercostal neuralgia, tension and strains are also treated with painkillers such as NSAIDs (ibuprofen or diclofenac).
In addition, a gentle strengthening of the muscles and physiotherapy should be performed. If the pain is caused by bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics are usually prescribed. Tapering can be used to apply a bandage to painful parts of the body, which supports the healing and symptomatology of orthopedic injuries.
Taping to the trunk and ribs can be used for muscle tensions, but also for rib bruises and is intended to relieve rib pain by relieving the affected rib or muscles through traction. To do this, the tape is stuck on along the ribs or muscles. The tape can be applied at home by the orthopedic surgeon himself or better by another person following appropriate instructions.
Duration of rib pain
The duration of the rib pain depends on the cause. If the rib pain is a symptom of bronchitis or pneumonia, it will disappear about one to two weeks after healing. If it is a rib fracture, the pain can last up to six weeks until the fracture has healed. An intercostal neuralgia, in which a nerve is irritated or inflamed, can make itself felt even after months and cause pain, especially when breathing in, even if the nerve is no longer pinched.
