Hello,
About 6 days ago one of my BRILLIANT friends decided he would "crack my back" despite my objection. As he wrapped me and picked me up, my arm was pinned between him and my rib cage and then he put on the squeeze. After about 5-7 seconds of intense pressure and expletives, he finally dropped me when we both felt/heard a very loud, painful POP. Based on the rib cage image I pulled off the web, the pain occurs right around where the rib would meet the cartilage off the right side of my sternum. Based on what I have read, a broken rib consists of an almost debilitating pain so my guess, given the "pop" and the pain, is that the rib was dislocated. That being said, most rib injuries seem to be treated with pain killers and time, however if there is a dislocation, proper realignment was reported to relieve 70% of the pain almost immediately. So here are my questions:
1. Is it worth seeing a doctor? If so, what kind of doctor would I see?
2. Can I "relocate" this puppy myself? I'd certainly rather leave it to a professional, but if its a matter of stretching one way, twisting another, and giving a little push - I figure it might at least be worth a try.
3. I'm a triathlete in the middle of training season and can't afford (don't want to afford) time off. I was able to run 6-7 miles a few days back with lingering pain as my right foot struck the ground, but nothing I would (normally) let force me to the couch. Will exercising with this injury (assuming I can tolerate the pain) cause significant and further damage? Or will this heal when its ready assuming I keep it out of "blunt force traumas" way?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!