Broken Ribs... Pain Relief Suggestions.?

Question

I have a very bad cold, I'm coughing so hard that I cracked several of my ribs. I'm just wondering if anyone has any ideas for pain relief. Pain med don't seem to help a whole lot.
I normaly lay in an epsim salt bath when this happens, but my new place doesn't have a bath tub to do that.
Any suggestions please?

Answer 1

If you really believe you have cracked ribs you should see a medic!

Arnica (homoeopathic remedy) is good for muscle strains and other pains from injury etc. Take a 6c potency as often as once an hour to begin with.

Also calium and magnesium are valuable supplements which have a role in pain relief and prevention. Chelated is best.

Answer 2

If you coughed so hard you know you cracked your ribs, I'm assuming you've seen a dr. and had a chest X-ray. If you *haven't* been to the doc, you need to do so ASAP. You could have pneumonia or pleurisy. Also, if your ribs are cracked from just coughing, your doc needs to check you for osteoporosis. The doc can give you some cough med with hydrocodone to lessen the pain and frequency of the cough.

As for the rib pain, a heating pad or some hot towels around your chest may help. Actually, the steam from the shower is also probably helpful for your cold symptoms.

Crazy idea: Go buy a tiny little kiddie pool and find somewhere to put it in your new place, preferably in or near the bathroom, as you'll have to carry hot water to it. Fill it with warm water, instant bathtub.

Answer 3

O.K., I will not suggest that you go to the hospital. I will, as a friend, "tell you to go to your GP or the hospital to get them examined and perhaps X-rayed." This is very important to determine the extent of the injury. Another fall or accident at home may well result in a punctured lung or other vital organ. I have broken my ribs several times (skiing accidents), and I have also had a few cartilage separations (one from my girlfriend's knees while tickling her.) I usually buy that wide Elasto-plast bandage wrap that does not stick. Some doctors and hospitals will actually tape up your chest at the break site. I wrapped myself tightly to keep the ribs in place while they heal. A corset, as suggested by others, will certainly work better for women and stay in place more easily. They will both also help to relieve the pain a bit. Whenever I went to the doctor, they always prescribed a strong analgesic for pain. Plain "Tylenol" does bugger all for my pain. Tylenol 3 does make a barely noticeable difference, but usually I need a very strong narcotic for that type of pain. You can get that only if you see a doctor - at a hospital or your GP. They can help assess the real damage, minimize further damage and give you advice and prescriptions for pain. Good luck. ♥ ∞ ♥ ∞ ♥ With much respect and LOVE - Phoenix (Rob).

Answer 4

wrap your rib cage with a large Ace bandage really tight. It will make it easier to cough and move around.

Answer 5

You can use warm moist towels, wrap the towel in plastic bag. or you can get a rice pack, at the store, it s not much, and you can use it in the microwave, or the freezer,, when you cough , brace yourself with a pillow, but it around your stomach area, and hold it tight when you cough.

Answer 6

Are you okay? I've never heard of anyone having a cough that bad. I worried about you. Do you have a doctor? If so, have you contacted him/her? Let me know.

Take Care