Can you move with a rib fracture?

Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
Updated on February 12, 2025
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The rib has suffered a fracture. Depending on the displacement of the fracture, whether it's a single rib or multiple ribs in multiple locations, and whether breathing is affected or there is a presence of blood or fluid in the chest cavity, a comprehensive analysis is required. If the fracture is a single rib or multiple ribs with hairline fractures, it is possible to move around, but rest is also important to avoid turning a stable fracture into one with significant displacement. If there are fractures in multiple ribs at multiple locations and a large amount of blood or fluid in the chest cavity, along with flail chest that significantly impacts breathing, it is not recommended to continue activities. Rest should be prioritized, and, if necessary, joint cavity puncture drainage may be performed to relieve symptoms.

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Common sites of rib fractures

The most common sites for rib fractures are the fourth to tenth ribs, as they are more prone to fractures. The first to third ribs are relatively short and are protected by the scapula and clavicle. Additionally, the 11th and 12th ribs are quite mobile, making them less likely to fracture when subjected to external forces. Among the fourth to tenth ribs, the fourth to seventh ribs are the most susceptible to fractures, because their internal cartilage is relatively short, making these ribs the most likely to break when impacted.

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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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What should I do if I have a rib fracture?

Firstly, a clear diagnosis should be made for rib fractures to determine whether the fractures have caused damage to internal organs, leading to complications such as pneumothorax or hemopneumothorax, which are more serious conditions. Active treatment for internal organ damage and management of pneumothorax or hemopneumothorax should be pursued, along with treatment for the rib fractures. If the rib fracture is merely a simple, non-displaced fracture and the number of fractured ribs is less than three, wearing a chest brace for protection can be sufficient. Supportive symptomatic treatment and bed rest should be adopted. Generally, the fracture can begin to heal within four to six weeks. In cases of multiple rib fractures where the chest wall is unstable, with symptoms like abnormal breathing, surgery may be necessary to stabilize the chest wall and ensure respiratory and circulatory function. Therefore, treatment for rib fractures should be tailored based on the condition of the patient.

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How long does the pain from a rib fracture last?

Taking a single rib fracture as an example, the pain generally lasts for one to two weeks. Then, over two to four weeks, the pain at the site of the rib fracture gradually eases and stabilizes. In the later stages, as the fracture healing progressively strengthens, the pain will gradually lessen until there is no significant pain. This period is generally about one to three months after the fracture, meaning that the most significant pain from a rib fracture usually lasts from one to two weeks, and then, as the fracture heals, the pain gradually decreases and improves.

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How to sleep with a rib fracture

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.