How to sleep with a rib fracture

Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
Updated on September 29, 2024
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For rib fractures requiring bed rest, wearing a chest brace for protection is advisable. During the initial 2 to 4 weeks, sleeping positions should be such that they do not cause pain. In cases of multiple rib fractures, pain might occur irrespective of whether the patient is lying on their back or side. Therefore, there are no special requirements for sleeping positions; it should be whatever position causes the least pain locally. A chest brace can also be used to help minimize the pain caused by friction between the fractured ends of the bones. In addition, it is recommended to consume foods rich in calcium and take oral bone-healing calcium supplements to promote fracture healing, as this is the fundamental way to alleviate pain.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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What are the symptoms of a rib fracture?

When a rib fracture occurs, there is initially localized pain, particularly exacerbated during breathing, and increased pain during pressing on the ribcage. Early on, there may be no respiratory or pulmonary inflammation, but if there is no systematic treatment and no rest, this could lead to breathing difficulties and signs of inflammation in the chest cavity. Additionally, if multiple ribs are fractured at multiple sites, a condition known as flail chest may occur.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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How long does a rib fracture hurt?

Rib fractures are indeed quite painful because there are abundant intercostal nerves around the rib cage. Once a fracture occurs, if it is not effectively immobilized and treated promptly, the pain is very noticeable. If treated effectively, such as applying external fixation with a rib belt or chest band, and addressing any pneumothorax or hemothorax with targeted treatments, along with using medications that activate blood circulation, reduce swelling, and relieve pain, proactive treatment can usually significantly alleviate the pain of rib fractures within about a week. Typically, by around two weeks, the pain can essentially disappear. However, if not treated actively, the duration of pain may significantly increase.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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How to care for a rib fracture

After a rib fracture, it is recommended to adhere to the following aspects in terms of care. Firstly, after a rib fracture, a chest bandage can be used to protect and stabilize the area, which generally requires about four to six weeks. Secondly, in terms of diet, it is important to enhance nutrition. Consume foods rich in high-quality proteins, calcium, and vitamins. These foods aid in recovery by providing nutrients and energy, helping to promote the healing of fractures. Additionally, symptomatic medication treatment, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers and traditional Chinese medicine that invigorates blood circulation and removes blood stasis, can be used to facilitate recovery. During the recovery period of the fracture, it is advised to start rehabilitation exercises as soon as possible and encourage activities such as coughing and expectorating to prevent complications such as dependent pneumonia and atelectasis. (Please consult a professional physician for specific medication usage and avoid self-medication.)

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Is a rib fracture serious?

Whether a rib fracture is serious depends mainly on the extent of the fracture and the damage to the surrounding tissues. Generally, a single rib fracture or a non-displaced rib fracture is not serious and requires conservative treatment. However, if there are multiple rib fractures occurring at once, breaking several ribs, including possibly the sixth rib, the consequences can be very serious because it may result in a flail chest. Secondly, a rib fracture can potentially damage surrounding structures such as the pleura, lung tissue, and blood vessels, resulting in conditions such as pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and even active hemothorax, which must be promptly treated to avoid life-threatening situations. Thirdly, if a rib fracture heals in a deformed manner and is not treated, it can compress blood vessels and nerves, causing a persistent type of intercostal neuralgia even after healing. Apart from the local deformity, this situation often stimulates the intercostal nerves and may require surgical intervention. Therefore, the severity of a rib fracture depends mainly on the degree of the fracture and its aftermath, and typically requires assessment by a professional doctor.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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How to care for a rib fracture

After a rib fracture, if it is a single or multiple closed fractures and there are no internal injuries with the fracture in a good position, this situation can be treated conservatively using a chest strap for stabilization. If there are multiple rib fractures accompanied by abnormal breathing, open fractures, or associated internal injuries, surgical treatment is mainly adopted. During the recovery period of the fracture, it's important to rest. If there is pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic drugs can be used to alleviate the pain. During recovery, it is encouraged to cough and expectorate to avoid complications such as lung infections or atelectasis. Additionally, it is necessary to focus on a nutritious diet; generally, rib fractures can effectively recover in about four to six weeks. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)