How long does it take for a rib fracture to stop hurting

Rib fractures are very common in life. Relatively speaking, this is a type of fracture that is relatively easy to heal, but it is very harmful and can easily cause abnormal pain, difficulty breathing, etc. More serious cases may also cause greater harm to the internal organs. Generally speaking, when the pain lasts for a relatively long time, it is necessary to stop taking painkillers in time. After good treatment and conditioning, recovery will be achieved in about a month.

How long does it take for a rib fracture to last?

Rib fractures are relatively easy to heal and can generally reach a relatively firm healing state in about a month. Most conservative treatments can be fixed with a rib fixation belt. Because of its special nature, the ribs are accompanied by costal nerves, so after a fracture, the stimulation to the nerves is relatively large, causing severe pain. Generally, the pain peaks around 7 to 10 days, and then begins to gradually subside. You can take oral painkillers, such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules, to relieve the pain.

What is a rib fracture?

The ribs have important physiological significance. They are not only the support of the entire chest cavity, but also an indispensable component of respiratory movement. When a person exhales, the intercostal muscles pull the ribs outward, while the diaphragm sinks, the chest cavity expands, and the air is sucked into the lungs; when a person exhales, the intercostal muscles relax, the chest cavity returns to its original position, and the air in the lungs is immediately exhaled out of the body. The ribs also protect important organs of the human body - the heart and lungs. Because the ribs have a certain degree of elasticity, when the chest cavity is hit by external force, the elasticity and supporting function of the ribs can protect the important organs inside from harm. However, if the external force is too great and exceeds the ribs' ability to withstand it, the ribs will break, which is a rib fracture.

Among chest traumas, rib fractures are the most common, accounting for 50-70% of chest traumas. Among them, single rib fracture is the most common. The 1st to 3rd ribs are short and thick, and are protected by the clavicle and scapula. They generally will not be fractured unless there is extremely great violence. The 4th to 7th ribs are long and thin and are most easily broken. The costal cartilage at the front end of the 8th to 10th ribs forms the costal arch and is connected to the sternum. The front end of the 10th to 12th ribs is free. They are relatively elastic and generally will not fracture. If a fracture occurs, be alert to damage to the abdominal organs and diaphragm. In contrast, the elderly have osteoporosis, are more brittle, and are more susceptible to fractures.