Bruised Ribs

A pile of over-stacked chairs fell down on top of me at work and my gp said I have bruised ribs.  She said 'you need to be careful that complications don't set in' - I would like to know what exactly could happen
concerning complications?  

My upper back has a large bruise, lung area, right side.  I continued on working, and for hours after the incident, my back was very sore and painful.  I had a feeling that nothing was broken so I just carried on (sometimes lifting weighty stuff).  It's not so sore now, five days later.  What complications could set in please?

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

If it was just a bruise there should be no complications and it should heal well, provided it is not re-injured. If there have been other associated injuries you may like to talk to your doctor regarding the possible complications. Meanwhile I would suggest rest and ice-packs/ OTC NSAIDS for pain relief. Vitamin C tablets may also help with the healing process.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!

[slapdash]

fell on my left side in bathroom, strong pain on left side of beast and surrounding area . bruised rib?