My husband fell of his truck on his back. He hit on his left side right under his should blade. He now is in quite a bit of pain, slight trouble breathing. Does it sound like he broke a rib? He will not go to the ER tonight but said he would call the doctor tomorrow.
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your situation. Your husband is having blunt chest trauma. Following are the complications of blunt chest trauma which can lead to pain and breathing difficulty.1. Rib fracture.2. Pneumothorax3. Pulmonary contusions.4. Muscle injury. So chest x-ray is needed to rule out all these. Rib fracture can be there. So get done chest x-ray. If chest x-ray is normal then no need to worry about rib fracture and other serious complications. Your husband is mostly having muscle injury. So better to follow these steps for better symptomatic relief.1. Avoid strenuous exercise.2. Avoid heavyweight lifting.3. Avoid movements causing pain and bad postures in sleep.4. Start muscle relaxant and painkiller.5. Apply warm water pad on affected site.