OpenHealth Q&A

Requesting Advice on Rib Sprain and Associated Symptoms

**Personal Background:** - Male, 33 years old - Height: 5'8", Weight: 145 lbs - Currently not on any prescribed medications. Recently, I suspected a kidney stone and took 0.4mg Tamsulosin, though this is not a regular part of my routine. - Daily supplements include: - 2400 mg Omega 3-6-9 - 1000 IU Vitamin D3 - 1000 mcg Vitamin B12 - 1 capsule of Jamieson Probiotic (30 Billion) - For pain relief: 500 mg of acetaminophen approximately every 8 hours. Additionally, I take 200 mg of ibuprofen every 8 hours, alternating between these two medications every 4 hours. **Incident Description:** While sparring with an opponent of comparable size in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I ultimately experienced pain in my upper left chest, near the heart, after standing up. Although I can't associate the pain with any specific movement, it occurred while I was exerting myself in challenging positions. At the moment of the injury, there was no noticeable sound or concerning sensation. Over time, the discomfort intensified, predominantly feeling as though it originated from my ribs. At rest, I have no pain, but certain movements, lifting objects, or lying on my right side trigger discomfort. Applying pressure around the area induces mild pain; however, more strenuous actions such as taking deep breaths, laughing, coughing, sneezing, and even minor actions like blowing my nose or sniffling exacerbate the pain. I've also noticed some popping sounds from the ribs in the vicinity of the pain. This occurs during specific movements, stretching, or deep breaths, and can sometimes be felt when walking. Concerned about the popping, I visited a physician. After examining my breathing through a stethoscope, they suggested I was utilizing my right lung more than my left and initially suspected a partially collapsed lung. Fortunately, x-rays confirmed this was not the case. The doctor concluded that I likely have a sprain and recommended rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and avoiding strenuous activities if they cause discomfort. I inquired about the popping sound in my ribcage, but they indicated uncertainty, suggesting it could be related to the sprain. **Seeking Additional Opinions:** I would appreciate any insights regarding the popping sounds associated with my ribcage, as this is my main concern. It feels more aligned with a fracture or dislocation than a sprain. Is it common for sprains to produce such popping sensations? Should I consult another medical professional for further evaluation? Thank you for your assistance!

Answers (1)

7/10/2025, 8:01:57 PM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for providing such detailed information about your situation. Based on what you’ve described, it sounds like you may have a rib sprain, which can certainly cause pain and the popping sounds you've noticed. Let's break this down clearly and provide you with support and guidance.

Main Points:

• Your symptoms (pain on movement, popping sounds) may indeed be related to a rib sprain.
• Popping sounds can occur with sprains and are generally not alarming.
• Continuing to rest and manage your pain is critical.

Explanation:

A rib sprain often occurs from sudden twists or movements that strain the muscles or ligaments around the rib cage. The pain you feel, especially with certain movements or deep breaths, aligns with this. Popping sounds are not unusual when there’s tension or irritation in the area, and while they can be concerning, they’re often harmless when associated with a sprain.

Since you've already seen a doctor and received a diagnosis, it's a good sign that more serious conditions have been ruled out, like rib fractures or lung problems.

Next Steps:

1. Pain Management: Continue alternating between acetaminophen and ibuprofen as you’ve been doing. Just ensure not to exceed the recommended doses for either medication. Also, be mindful of daily limits (acetaminophen should not exceed 3,000-4,000 mg in 24 hours).

2. Rest: Give your body time to heal by avoiding any activities that cause discomfort, particularly sparring or other physically demanding exercises for at least a few weeks.

3. Gentle Stretching: As your pain improves, gradually introduce gentle stretching exercises to prevent stiffness, but stop if it causes any pain.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Track any changes in your symptoms over the next week. If there’s worsening pain, increasing swelling, or if the popping sound changes (e.g., becomes more frequent), that may warrant a follow-up.

5. Professional Evaluation: If you continue to be concerned about the popping sounds or if your pain persists without improvement, it would be reasonable to consult another healthcare provider for a second opinion, particularly an orthopedic specialist or a sports medicine physician.

Please feel free to reach out with any further questions, and best wishes for a smooth recovery!