Hi, my daughter age 19 just returned from Uganda. She is experiencing pain at her back rib on lft side. A phys therapist that was on the trip thought she may have popped a rib. She has no insurance. We can go to an urgent care facility but they don't have xray. Would that be required for treatment?  Thanks.
GREETINGS! ANSWER : Fracture or dislocation of the rib can be only confirmed through XRay. if its a fracture or dislocation then , There is no specific treatment for rib fractures, but various supportive measures can be taken. In simple rib fractures, pain can lead to reduced movement and cough suppression; this can contribute to formation of secondary chest infection. Adequate analgesia can avoid this! Flail chest is a potentially life-threatening injury and will often require a period of assisted ventilation. Flail chest and first rib fractures are high-energy injuries and should prompt investigation of damage to underlying viscera (e.g., lung contusion) or remotely (e.g., cervical spine injury).Other treatment includes  internal fixation of rib!