You’ve recently sustained a rib injury and have quickly realized how debilitating it can be. Not only does it frustrate your ability to work, play sports, and enjoy a wide number of activities, it can be bothersome to walk and breathe. And forget about sleeping normally for awhile unless you’re blessed with the ability to lay like a vampire flat on your back (but even then). Whether the injury occurred weeks or a few days ago you want to know how long you need to live like this for. How long does it take for ribs to heal? Read ahead to find out.
How Long it Takes Ribs to Heal After an Injury and What You Can Do to Speed Up the Process in a Healthy Way
How Long it Takes Ribs to Heal After a Fracture
It takes anywhere from four to six months for fractured ribs to heal to the point that you can perform strenuous activities such as weightlifting or even a game of pickup basketball. Patience is the key, because as with any broken or fractured bone, attempting to force the issue can cause significant damage. Further, a chiropractor won’t make an adjustment to the area (even if they specialize in rib injuries) if a fracture is present because it could worsen the fracture. If you have confirmed via physician X-ray that a break or fracture is evident, you must allow it to heal naturally because you cannot cast or wrap broken ribs. Doing so constricts breathing and can even lead to pneumonia. That being said, you can maintain general overall fitness and mobility by working with a physiotherapist who can provide core strengthening exercises, stretches, and movements that will not (when regime is strictly followed) compromise the fracture. Further, nutrition is key, utilizing whole foods and supplements that promote bone healing calcium, magnesium, Vitamin D, and Vitamin C. Lastly, do try to avoid using potentially dangerous painkillers such as opioids and instead learn (through physiotherapy) how to move your body and sleep without relying on risky prescriptions.
How Long it Takes Ribs to Heal After a Being Dislocated
A dislocation is less severe (technically) than a fracture but can take between two to six months to feel normal again. Once severe pain has subsided after the first two to four weeks, a chiropractor can intervene and potentially put the ribs back in place. They will also prescribe stretches and movements that can assist for stubborn dislocations that may occur again in the future when you return to exercise and strenuous activity. Regular chiropractic work is critical to promote faster and sustainable healing for rib injuries. The same healing process is required for what some refer to as slipping rib syndrome.
How Long it Takes Ribs to Heal After Being Bruised
Bruised or compressed ribs can feel like the end of the world, but are not as bad as the pain and discomfort may make them seem. Sufferers will feel sensations of popping or clicking in the lower ribs, and may experience difficulty in deep breathing. “Activities” like bending, lifting, coughing, sneezing, stretching, or turning in bed will feel like you’re getting shanked in a prison lineup. The good news (all things considered) is that it generally takes about four to six weeks for bruised/compressed ribs to heal. Not ideal, but decent in the grand scheme of things. Granted, the six weeks can extend to longer without care. Further, physiotherapy and chiropractic intervention mean EVERYTHING when it comes to expediting the healing process.
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Are you located in the Greater Vancouver area? Significantly reduce the amount of time it takes for your rib injury to heal by coming in to our Burnaby clinic as soon as possible. Schedule a consultation for this week/weekend via the contacts provided below.