What is a rib fracture?

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  1. Healthwise
     
    Healthwise answered:

    A rib fracture is a crack or break in one of the bones of the rib cage.

    A rib fracture is most often caused by a direct blow to the chest. Other causes include forceful coughing or having thin bones (such as from osteoporosis or cancer).

    A rib fracture can be very painful:

    • At the site where the chest was injured (localized pain).
    • With deep breathing.
    • When pressure is applied to the injured area.
    The treatment for a rib fracture that does not occur with a more serious injury is usually rest, ice to the area and medicine to relieve pain.
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    A rib fracture is a crack or break in one of the bones of the rib cage. A rib fracture is most often caused by a direct blow to the chest. Other causes include forceful coughing or having thin bones (such as from osteoporosis or cancer). A rib... More