Injured rib and pain killers?

Asked by: Andrea Lewis

What painkillers are best for broken ribs?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve), should do the trick. You can also holding a covered icepack against the area for 20 minutes at a time three times a day for extra relief.

What helps rib pain from injury?

Do

1. take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen – avoid taking ibuprofen for 48 hours after your injury as it may slow down healing.
2. hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas in a tea towel) to the affected ribs regularly in the first few days to bring down swelling.
3. rest and take time off work if you need to.

Can I take ibuprofen for bruised ribs?

Over-the-counter pain medications can help relieve the discomfort of a bruised chest; acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen, or naproxen can be taken, depending on individual preference.

Can I take codeine for broken ribs?

As the ribs heal, you can gradually cut down on the painkillers. Your doctor or nurse can suggest which painkillers to use but general advice is: For mild-to-moderate pain, take paracetamol. For moderate-to-severe pain, take paracetamol OR codeine OR paracetamol plus an anti- inflammatory painkiller.

Will muscle relaxers help a broken rib?

Some of these include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, gabapentin, lidocaine, narcotics, and muscle relaxers. If these are not sufficient, then a nerve block or an epidural catheter may be used to provide pain control in the region of the fractures.

How do you treat a pulled rib muscle?

Treatment

1. Applying an ice pack or cold pack, followed by heat therapy. …
2. Resting and limiting all physical activity for a few days to allow time for the muscle strain to recover.
3. Taking pain medications to reduce swelling and pain. …
4. Splinting the area if breathing is painful by holding a pillow against the injured muscle.

How should you sleep with bruised ribs?

Try to sleep in a comfortable semi-upright position for the first few nights. You can do this by placing a few pillows under your neck and upper back. This position will help you breathe more comfortably. Begin to sleep on your unaffected side after the first few days of injury.

How do you sleep with a broken rib?

Sleeping on your side, back and sitting up straight are the only viable positions for this situation. Your choice will be based on your level of comfort. Some doctors recommend sleeping on the injured side to allow more room for your expansion and contraction of the chest cavity to ease breathing.

What are anti-inflammatory painkillers?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medicines that are widely used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and bring down a high temperature. They’re often used to relieve symptoms of headaches, painful periods, sprains and strains, colds and flu, arthritis, and other causes of long-term pain.

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

Most broken ribs resolve within six weeks. You’ll need to take it easy during this time, but you should still be able to walk around and do your daily activities. If you find that the pain isn’t getting any better, see a doctor to rule out any additional injuries that could be causing your symptoms.

Should I go to the ER for a broken rib?

If you’ve been hit hard enough in the chest to make you think you may have broken a rib or two, go to the emergency department or call 911. It’s especially dangerous if the patient has any of the following signs or symptoms: Severe shortness of breath. Coughing blood.

Is a heating pad good for broken ribs?

Stop, change, or take a break from any activity that causes pain. Put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin. After 2 or 3 days, if your swelling is gone, put a heating pad set on low or a warm cloth on your chest.

Does broken rib pain get worse before it gets better?

The worst pain is usually the first 1-2 weeks and gets gradually better after that. Healing time also depends on the person.

What is the fastest way to heal a broken rib?

What’s the Treatment?

1. Take a break from sports to allow yourself to heal without hurting yourself again.
2. Put ice on the area to relieve pain.
3. Take pain medicine like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. …
4. Take deep breaths to avoid pneumonia. …
5. Don’t wrap anything tightly around your ribs while they’re healing.

What does a hairline fracture rib feel like?

pain in the chest wall that gets worse when breathing, moving, or coughing. bruising or swelling around the ribs. shortness of breath. difficulty taking a deep breath.

How do you know if a rib injury is serious?

It is important to see a doctor immediately, seeking emergency care if your rib fracture is accompanied by:

1. Increasing shortness of breath.
2. Trouble breathing deeply or coughing.
3. Fever.
4. Unusual cough, or a cough that produces mucus or blood.
5. Feeling dizzy or weak.
6. Abdominal pain.

What happens if you leave a broken rib untreated?

When untreated, rib fractures will lead to serious short-term consequences such as severe pain when breathing, pneumonia and, rarely, death. Long-term consequences include chest wall deformity, chronic pain and decreased lung function.