Ongoing Rib Pain After Years: Seeking Advice
Hello there! I’m a 20-year-old female, and I want to share my experience regarding a rib injury I sustained when I was about 15 or 16. It happened due to a forceful blow to my chest, resulting in intense pain; it was so severe that I fainted twice due to the agony. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to seek medical help at that time. For about a week, I struggled to lift my left arm without experiencing a pain level of around 7 or 8 in my ribs. The discomfort persisted for at least a month, primarily centered on my left side, near the 5th rib from the base of my rib cage, around the side of my chest. After I seemed to recover from the injury, I experienced residual tightness and cramping. Fast forward more than four years later, and I find myself still dealing with the same discomfort, reminiscent of how I felt during the healing period. I suspect that taking up horseback riding has occasionally worsened it, leading to increased soreness now and then, although most days it’s only a slight tightness. I did visit a doctor a few months back who suggested that I try physical therapy. I attended several sessions, but I felt that the therapists didn't adequately address my specific issue, and the exercises didn’t seem to target the right area effectively. Today, the discomfort was quite pronounced, forcing me to reach for ibuprofen to ease the pain. So here I am, turning to Reddit for some advice. Does anyone have suggestions on how to manage this ongoing rib pain? **Information on My Condition:** - Age/Sex: 20F - Height: 5'9" - Weight: 120 lbs - Main Complaints: Rib Pain - Duration of Pain: Approximately 4 Years
Answers (1)
2/5/2026, 7:40:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
Persistent rib pain after an injury can understandably be frustrating, especially since it has been ongoing for several years. It’s great that you are seeking ways to manage your discomfort.
Explanation: Given your history of a significant rib injury at a young age and the persisting pain, it’s possible that you may have some residual effects from that injury, such as inflammation, muscle tightness, or even changes in the rib cage's mechanics. Activities like horseback riding could contribute to aggravating the area, particularly if they involve heavy twisting or leaning motions, which may strain the muscles around the ribs. Chronic pain that continues long after an injury can be complex and requires a tailored approach for relief.
Next Steps:
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Exercise Modification: Since physical therapy didn’t feel effective, consider integrating gentle, targeted stretches and strengthening exercises at home. Focus on the following:
- Stretching the chest and shoulders: Try a doorway stretch, where you stand in a doorway and gently push your chest forward to stretch the muscles. Hold for 20-30 seconds, repeating a few times.
- Strengthening core and back: Engage in exercises that strengthen the muscles around your spine and abdomen, which may help with stability and reduce rib strain. For example, gentle back extensions while lying on your stomach, or simple core exercises like pelvic tilts.
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Pain Management Techniques: Aside from ibuprofen, consider using heat therapy (like a warm compress) on the affected area to relax tight muscles and improve blood flow. If the pain is mild to moderate, over-the-counter treatments like topical pain relief creams may also be beneficial.
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Monitor Your Activities: Pay attention to the activities that cause the pain to worsen and consider adjusting your involvement. Notice how the horseback riding affects your ribs; if it exacerbates the pain, think about taking regular breaks or decreasing intensity.
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Mindfulness and Relaxation: Techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation can help manage your pain perception and improve your overall comfort.
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Track Your Progress: Keep a simple diary of your pain levels during different activities and treatments. This can help you identify patterns and what works best for you over time.
If your pain changes or escalates, becomes sharp, or if you experience symptoms like difficulty breathing, make sure to seek medical evaluation again for further assessment. Your experience is important, and finding a healthcare provider who listens and understands your specific needs is vital. Let me know if you want guidance on specific exercises or further details!
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