Rib Fractures After a Car Accident

Rib Fractures After a Car Accident

Rib fractures are a common injury that arrives in the Chambers Medical Group clinics regularly following a motor vehicle accident (MVA). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that chest injuries, including rib fractures, are among the most frequent injuries in MVAs. These will occur due to the chest compressed with the seatbelt, hitting the steering wheel or when airbags deploy. They can feel miserable but luckily most or labeled “non-displaced,” meaning they are still aligned and not jagged bones floating around in our chest.

Dr. Aaron Workman of one of the highest rated car accident medical care programs in Kentucky,  Chambers Medical Group, explains how these types of fractures heal, and what to expect during that timeline so you can make the process to recovery a little easier.

The Fracture:

When a rib breaks, it interferes with the complexity of the chest’s structure. This includes protecting our most vital organs like the heart and lungs. The ribs also assist the breathing process and although these non-displaced fractures are not shifting around, they can still cause internal bruising and a lot of pain to nearby inflamed tissues. This can make some very sharp pains when it comes to breathing and can feel like you are being stabbed during a cough or sneeze.

Healing Time Frame:

Healing from a non-displaced rib fracture typically takes six to eight weeks. There can be a varying degree of time due to how many fractures are present, the severity, the location and even more important the person’s overall initial health. Younger individuals typically recover faster, while older adults, or those with conditions like osteoporosis may take longer. There are many other lifestyle factors that can increase healing time. Smoking, poor nutrition, illnesses, and engaging in activities that strain the chest can also delay recovery.

The healing process involves three main stages:

1. Initially, inflammation at the fracture site helps clean up damaged tissue.

2. Within a couple of weeks, the body forms a soft callus. This callus can be thought of as a temporary bridge of tissue put up around the fracture.

3. Over the next month, this callus hardens into new bone, slowly restoring the rib’s tensile strength.

Easing the Pain:

Managing pain is an important part of getting better due to the length of healing time. Breathing deeply and coughing is going to hurt, but these actions are important for keeping the lungs clear and reducing the risk of complications like pneumonia. The doctors at Chambers Medical Group often prescribe medications and recommend over the counter or pain relievers to make functioning daily a little easier. Ice packs and rest are great for at home care to help with the discomfort.

Most non-displaced rib fractures heal without complications, but it is important to seek proper care. If you have suffered rib fractures because of an MVA you should understand that your body has sustained enough force to break your ribs. Ribs attach to your sternum at the front and your spine in the back with a crazy amount of soft tissue in between. These tissues and other bones have been involved in the impact forces and are also susceptible to more problems if not addressed along with the fractured ribs. If you have found yourself suffering from rib fractures due to an MVA, the doctors at Chambers Medical Group can help you get through the healing process and address issues that are going to be left when the ribs heal.

— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.

• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Tampa
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Plant City
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Brandon
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Lakeland
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Sarasota
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Louisville
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Lexington
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Florence