Symptoms

The pain associated with a broken rib usually occurs or worsens when you:

• Take a deep breath
• Press on the injured area
• Bend or twist your body

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if you have a very tender spot in your rib area that occurs after trauma or if you have difficulty breathing or pain with deep breathing.

Seek medical attention immediately if you feel pressure, fullness or a squeezing pain in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or pain that extends beyond your chest to your shoulder or arm. These symptoms can indicate a heart attack.