Question
My 26 yr. old daughter is 32 weeks pregnant and just broke a rib from coughing.  She is in severe pain and cannot use heat or take medication.
Is there anything you can recommend to ease the pain and will a visit to a chiropractor help?

Answer
Hello Donna,

  Yes, your daughter should be icing every day to keep the inflamation down.  Chiropractic care can offer relief depending the severity of the break and time (usually no adjusting for 3 weeks).  Specific soft tissue work around the affected rib may provide a substantial decrease in pain! When the ribs break you often tear intercostal muscles which are in between the ribs and cause pain upon breathing due to the expansion of the rib cage.

Have a great day,
Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.