What is a Bruised Rib?
A bruised rib is a common injury that occurs when a blow or other trauma is applied to the chest. The ribcage is made up of 12 pairs of ribs that protect the vital organs in the chest, including the heart and lungs. When one of the ribs is injured, it can cause pain, tenderness and swelling. Depending on the severity of the injury, it can take weeks or months to heal completely. In the meantime, it’s important to take steps to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep so that you can get the rest you need to recover.
Tips For Sleeping Comfortably With A Bruised Rib
When you’re dealing with a bruised rib, it’s important to take steps to ensure that you get a good night’s sleep. Here are some tips for sleeping comfortably with a bruised rib:
- Use a pillow: Placing a pillow between your arm and your ribcage can help relieve pressure from the injured area. This will help reduce pain and allow you to sleep more comfortably.
- Sleep on your back: Sleeping on your back is the best position for a person with a bruised rib. This position allows the ribcage to stay in its natural position, which can help reduce pain.
- Avoid lying on your side: Lying on your side can put pressure on the injured area, which can cause pain and discomfort. To avoid this, try sleeping on your back or your stomach.
- Use a foam wedge pillow: A foam wedge pillow is a great way to support your back while you sleep. It can help take the pressure off of your bruised rib and make it easier to sleep.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication: Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen before bed may help reduce pain and make it easier to sleep.
When To Seek Medical Attention For A Bruised Rib
Although most bruised ribs heal on their own, it’s important to seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Severe pain that gets worse when you take a deep breath or cough
- Pain that doesn’t get better after a couple of weeks
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- A fever or chills
- Coughing up blood
Conclusion
A bruised rib is a common injury that can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. To ensure a comfortable night’s sleep, it’s important to take steps to reduce pain and support the injured area. Try using a pillow between your arm and your ribcage, sleeping on your back, using a foam wedge pillow, and taking over-the-counter pain medication. However, if you experience any of the symptoms listed above or your pain doesn’t improve over time, it’s important to seek medical attention.