Q&A

Can a broken rib heal on its own?

Can a broken rib heal on its own?

In most cases, broken ribs usually heal on their own in one or two months. Adequate pain control is important so that you can continue to breathe deeply and avoid lung complications, such as pneumonia.

How should you sleep with broken ribs?

Sleeping While Sitting Upright Ideally, this is the best sleep position for patients with a broken rib. This position can help your ribs heal quickly than lying down on the bed. Sleeping while lying down may exert unwanted pressures on the spine, which might be transferred to the ribs.

How long does it take for broken ribs to stop hurting?

It takes about six weeks for broken ribs to heal on their own. During this time, you should avoid activities that could further injure your ribs. That means sports and heavy lifting are off the table. If anything causes you to feel pain around your ribs, stop immediately and hold off until you’re healed.

How should you sleep with a fractured rib?

How long does it take for a broken rib to stop hurting?

What is the best thing for a broken rib?

If you’ve broken a rib (or several), one of the best things you can do is simply rest. This will not only reduce some of the pain but also help your body navigate the healing process. Still, you need some level of physical activity for the rest of your body and overall health.

What is the best care for broken ribs?

Therapy. In the past, doctors would use compression wraps — elastic bandages that you can wrap around your chest — to help splint and immobilize the area. Compression wraps aren’t recommended for broken ribs anymore because they can keep you from breathing deeply, which can increase the risk of pneumonia.

What can I do to make broken ribs feel better?

Sleep upright for the first few nights

  • Move around throughout the day to keep your lungs healthy
  • Don’t lift heavy objects or do any activity that makes your pain worse
  • Take 10 slow,deep breaths every hour
  • Don’t avoid coughing
  • Hold a pillow against your chest to reduce the pain when you need to cough
  • Quit smoking — it may help your rib heal faster

    • How long does it take for a cracked rib to heal?

    A jagged edge of broken bone can damage major blood vessels or internal organs, such as the lung. In most cases, broken ribs usually heal on their own in one or two months. Adequate pain control is important so that you can continue to breathe deeply and avoid lung complications, such as pneumonia.