you need to go to the doc and get that checked, could be a pretty bad infection in there too

This is one of those questions that has an automatic yes.

Should I go to the doctor? Yes.

Is it broken? Maybe, or maybe not. Probably strained or bruised. Definitely possible. Pain is your body's way of telling you something is wrong. Constant pain is certainly a reason to go to a medical professional. What helps... take an ACE bandage and tightly wrap your rib cage slightly above and below where it hurts.

Heal well and feel better!!

"Is it possible to crack your rib from coughing?"


Yes mam! I did it back in my 20's when I had bronchitis and refused to quit smoking. I had bronchitis 3 or 4 months and eventually cracked a rib from all the coughing. Hurts!!!

I said that I had heard of it happening because, oddly enough, I was just talking about it last Saturday with a friend who had exactly that happen to him last year. I'm with the folks who are saying, "See a doctor" ;)

Thank all! I have an appt with the doctor this afternoon.

Doctors are for pussies. Just get really really drunk all the time.

So what did you find out Michelle? Or is it afternoon out there yet??? I can't remember how far behind you are :idk: Let us know, hope it's nothing bad!

Hope you're ok...

I have cracked ribs more than once and "sprained" them too...hurts like hell. I had chronic bronchitis and a few bouts of pneumonia as a teen...

Doctor said it could be a cracked rib or strained muscle in the ribs. He said either way the treatment is the same (pain killers). I did get an X-ray just to know which it is, I won't know for a few days on the X-ray reading.

I did ask about an infection, he said I would be getting sicker, not better - if it was an infection. So that's good.