Cough or Sneeze with that Painful Rib!

How to Sneeze or Cough with a Painful Rib

Dealing with a painful rib can be quite the challenge. You learn very quickly just how violent a sneeze or cough can feel. If the ribs suffer an injury from a motor vehicle accident, sprain, or slip and fall, you will likely feel these movements to be unbearable. There are tricks to manage a sneeze or cough that may help prevent further injury and pain. I am Dr. Aaron Workman, a member of one of the highest rated car accident medical care programs in Kentucky, and I will discuss 5 ways to manage sneezing or coughing with a painful rib.

1. Brace Yourself Before Sneezing or Coughing
One of the most effective ways to reduce pain when sneezing or coughing is to brace yourself by supporting the injured rib area. The most basic way is to pull your elbow down with your opposite arm and hold it tightly against the rib when you feel the sneeze or cough coming on. This support helps keep the ribcage from expanding too much during the sudden movement, reducing the strain on your injured rib. I prefer to use a pillow or folded blanket if one is close, holding it between my elbow and the ribs, then for extra pressure leaning into a wall for more support. The key is to anticipate the sneeze or cough as much as possible, allowing you to prepare the body and decrease pressure on the rib. This will not only help with pain but can also prevent worsening the injury.

2. Try to Sneeze or Cough with Your Mouth Open
It is weird, it is gross, but it works. Keeping your mouth open wide while sneezing or coughing can make a big difference in reducing rib pain. When your mouth is closed, the pressure inside your chest increases dramatically, which puts additional strain on your ribcage. Sneezing or coughing with an open mouth reduces the pressure, easing the compression on your ribs.

3. Engage Your Core
Engaging your core muscles during a sneeze or cough can help stabilize your ribcage and reduce pain. Tightening your abdominal muscles before the sneeze or cough provides additional support to your torso, keeping the ribcage from expanding or contracting too quickly. To do this, take a slow deep breath and engage your core muscles just before the sneeze or cough happens. This will help distribute the pressure evenly throughout the torso, taking pressure off the injured rib. It is like the bracing method mentioned earlier but focuses on your internal muscles.

4. Lean Forward to Minimize Pressure
You can also lean slightly forward when you feel a sneeze or cough coming on which helps reduce the amount of movement in the ribcage. This position is another type of bracing that takes some of the burden off your ribs, making it less painful to sneeze or cough. Do not lean forward too fast, just keep a slow controlled lean.

5. Use Pain Management Techniques
   If the pain in your ribs is severe, managing it through over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease the discomfort during sneezes or coughs. Ice and heat packs can be used to help reduce pain and inflammation. Please remember to consult your doctor before starting any new medications.

   Coughing or sneezing is going to be inevitable sometime when you have a hurt rib. By following these tricks, you may be able to minimize your discomfort, and even more so, prevent further injury. Bracing your ribs, sneezing, or coughing with an open mouth, engaging your core, and leaning forward are all effective ways to reduce the pressure on your ribcage. Pair these with anti-inflammatories, heat, and ice to help the recovery process. If your pain continues, worsens, or you find it hard to breathe, see a healthcare professional. If your rib pain is from a motor vehicle accident go to a Chambers Medical Group near you.

— 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.

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