cracked or dislocated rib(s)

I HAVE A COLLEGE FRIEND, WE ARE BOTH ABOUT 50 BUT HE REALLY HAS KEPT IN SHAPE.  HE IS 6'2" AND RIPPED.  WE HAVE A TRADITION WHERE HE GIVES ME A BEAR HUG, ONCE A year when we see each other---i 'use' to like it because my back would crack--and it felt good--well, i have gotten older and out of shape-- and he is like superman---he cracked me this past sat 9/4 at about 4pm est---i started to feel twinges of pain on sun morning when i played golf --

i am at work now, and it was bothering me last night and this morning--much more this morning--

it hurt when i laughed---

---so i settle in to work, and i take a bite of my sandwich--it hurt when i chewed--then i heard a POP---and felt it--never have experienced that before---it really/really hurt---most pain i have felt in years---i had to stand up, wiggle around, move around, for it to subside---

i am scared and embarassed---also cannot afford to be out of work

as i sit here now, it is OK--but in know when i cough or laugh it will hurt

i will go see a doc and get an xray but would like to wait until thurs--2 days--b/c of work--

do you think i may have punctured a kidney or an organ? or is it it a bruised rib that was crunched out of place and when i coughed it relocated--?

pls advise

thanks

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

It is unlikely for you to have punctured an internal organ. Likely possibilities include injury to ribs/ spine, ligamental or muscle tears, degenerations, inflammation etc; though without an evaluation it would be difficult to tell. I would suggest getting this evaluated by your primary care physician (which I understand you would in two days) and depending on the cause it can be managed accordingly or specialist care may be sought. Meanwhile it is advised to lie on a ‘firm’ mattress with your back straight. Warm compresses and NSAIDS may be used to relief the discomfort.
Hope this helps.

Take care!