Rib Fracture

Ribs can fracture from falls, and in osteoporosis, from coughing or sneezing. Generally pain is severe, worsened by breathing, talking and (yes) laughter. X-rays are the definitive means of diagnosis, and often it takes 10 days to two weeks after the actual fracture for it to show up on X-ray films, because demineralization must take place. Very severe fractures, where the fragments of bone are at different angles, and there is danger to the internal organs because of their sharp edges will show up at once, Contraindications: Just about every yoga pose can be painful in the presence of a fractured rib. Twists, forward bends, back bends and even inversions can be tried, very cautiously. Treatment for all but these serious fractures is conservative: If it hurts, don’t do it. Occasionally binding the chest is used to reduce pain. Severe fractures might require surgery. The pain gradually subsides and is generally gone in 6-8 weeks.