Hi, I was elbowed on my right upper chest about a week ago in a basketball game and my right chest hurts when I sneezed or coughed. The pain is concentrated on that upper region of the chest, just at the point where one can start feeling the rib bones with his fingers. Slight pain can also be felt when rubbing in between the rib bones. The pain has been there until today (12/29/11) and I am wondering whether I should go and get an X-ray to check for cracked rib(s) or dont go get an X-ray as it may be internal bruising?
HAI, u had got a blunt trauma to your chest without external injury injuriesInjuries to the chest especially the ribs are very painful duet rich innervation of the nerves. U cam go ahead for a Chester app (anteroposterior view) to rule out any bony injuriesTake good painkillers like diclofenac or tramadol added with antacids at least fora week. These pains take at least 2 to3 weeks to subside. Follow deep breathing exercises with chest physiotherapy to prevent atelectasis. Local application of pain gel forms will be of good help. Take care .good luck