Hi mate,

Sorry to hijack your thread, I was looking on the site because I've had an almost identical injury recently.

I play Rugby League, took a knock to the lower left rib cage (approx where 1st false rib joins lower true rib). Felt it 'pop', some pain but not too much, then felt it 'pop' back. Was sore but nothing too bad. Later that night after a few post-game beers the same thing happened, 'popped' and back again. Went to my local hospital the next day to be told nothing they can do, give it a few weeks. No x-ray.

3 days later I was driving, had been in the car about 90 minutes and it 'popped' big time - excrutiating pain, so much so I had to pull off the motorway (was on the M6 Toll), and the toll booth staff called an ambulance. I could barely speak or walk, and breathing was difficult. I was examined in hospital and this time they x-rayed but said no fracture. Was discharged but couldn't walk until the pain killers kicked in.

Since then I've been unable to do much. I can only sleep on my back, can't drive, and sitting down and getting up is painful, as is lifting with my left arm. Went for a short walk 3 days ago and it 'popped' again - my girlfriend had to come and pick me up, excruciating pain again for a short time.

I've been off work (my job involves a lot of driving) for nearly 2 weeks now and getting fed up with it. As bthomas2 has said, it feels like the big 'pop' never went back, and I'm in a lot of pain and discomfort. It seems to be very slowly improving but every so often a random movement can cause severe pain. Coughing, sneezing, hiccups, blowing nose, even passing solids - all very painful.

I've been doing breathing exercises (deep breaths, exhale, cough), plus keeping it moving to keep the ribs supple as I was advised in hospital. The area in question now feels swollen and very hard, and is very sensitive to touch.

Has anyone any suggestions please?