When I Stretch My Rib Hurts

If your ribs hurt while stretching, you’ve likely experienced a recent traumatic blow to the chest or have been lifting more weight than your muscles can handle. Some rib injuries are potentially life-threatening, since the ribs protect vital organs, so always consult with your doctor if you’re feeling rib pain.

Identification

The symptoms of your rib pain while stretching will vary depending on the injury. If a rib is broken or cracked, it will hurt to take deep breaths. If you place your finger on the rib, it will be tender and you may hear a crunching sound if you try moving the bone. Your ribs may look deformed. Any stretching or twisting movements of the spine and abs will cause pain to the ribs. A muscle strain can be mild, such is with delayed onset muscle soreness after exercising or it can be severe. If your rib muscles pull away from each, then the muscles have ruptured and you will experience severe pain. Strained rib muscles will be painful if stretched and tender to touch. Bruised ribs often signify a serious injury.

Causes

Ribs Cracking and Stretching

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Rib injuries can be caused by force trauma to the chest or overworking the muscles. Direct trauma events like a car accident or being tackled during football puts you at risk for fractured ribs. Chronic bronchitis can result in repetitive cough that is severe enough to crack your ribs. The Heimlich maneuver can also cause a fractured rib. Osteoporosis causes you to lose bone density and can increase your risk of a fractured rib if you fall or any direct impact to the chest. Muscle strains can result in microscopic tearing of muscles or can be severe enough to cause internal bleeding. If the muscles are placed under more stress than they can handle, a strain is likely to follow. This can be from lifting objects that are too heavy or excessive use of the muscle. Your risk of a muscle strain increases if you have tight muscles or experience fatigue while continuing to use the muscles.

Treatment

Over-the-counter pain medication can relieve mild to moderate pain from a fracture or strain. If the pain is severe, prescription-strength medication is available through your doctor. A severe fracture may need an injection of long-lasting anesthesia to block the pain receptors of the nerves. During the initial stages of a rib injury, apply ice four times per day for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. If you have a fracture, do not wear a rib belt or compress the injury because this inhibits deep breaths, which are necessary to prevent pneumonia. Once the initial pain is gone, gently stretch the muscles and hold stretches for 10 seconds.

Prevention

Hyperextension of the Calf

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To avoid rib injuries, wear proper protective gear and equipment while playing sports. Obey all traffic laws, always wear your seat belt and stay focused on traffic around you to avoid car accident injuries. Limit the risks of falls in your home and workplace. If you lift weights, do not lift more weight than you can handle. As you grow stronger, gradually increase weight week by week. Warm up by walking before lifting weights, playing sports, doing vigorous exercise or stretching. If you feel tired, stop what you’re doing, because tired muscles do not function appropriately.