Sore Ribs And Back Pain

[Fanriffic]

Back in October last year, I hurt my back in between my shoulder blades by lifting a heavy box.
When it happened I heard and felt about 5 or 6 sequential cracks from my spine in between the shoulder blades. Really felt the pain and it spread to my ribs, more on the left hand side at the back. I've been taking pain killers since to help recovery and remain mobile.
Didn't bother GP as I've heard you can't do any thing for cracked or displaced ribs. So just getting on with things.

Today it's still not getting any better, can't sleep on my sides because of the discomfort.
Will this problem ever heal over time or will I have to just learn to live with the discomfort?

[237SJ]

For what it's worth, I think you should to your GP for further diagnostic tests. It's not your place to try and figure out what is wrong.

[237SJ]

*go* (one day this site will allow one to edit their posts but I'm not holding my breath on that)

[Sqad]

From your description, it certainly sounds as though you have "bruised" your ribs or torn a muscle or maybe both. Are you still working, have your retired and what pain killers are you taking.
Providing that you have no weakness in your arms, pins and needles down your arms or increasing shortness of breath, then yes, this will tale time to settle.....at least 3 months.

[Fanriffic]

Thanks Squad.
It's now been 3 months since the incident.
I can feel the discomfort on my left side ribs when I take a very deep breath but I don't have pins and needles or weakness.

Thanks 237SJ.
It's really more sore ribs than back pain. It radiates out from the spine and round to my ribs. Sometimes it's in the middle ribs and other days it's lower down at the bottom rib. I can't lie on either side as the discomfort is preventing me from getting a decent sleep.
If things don't improve by March - then I will go to GP - but I feel like wasting their time. Thanks for your reply.

[Fanriffic]

Also taking Solpadeine Plus pain killers (soluble). Not working at the moment - in between jobs so to speak.

[237SJ]

Three months is a long time to suffer. Could you be sleeping a position which makes the pain worse?

[Samuraisan]

You must go and see your doctor. You are not " bothering " him/her. That's what they are there for and what you have paid for, through your contributions, for no doubt, years.

[Fanriffic]

I managed to adopt a sleeping position which allows me some relief.
I use a pillow to cushion my side as I can't sleep on my back or front.
Turn in the night and adopt the same position on my other side to help relieve the stiffness. It seems to work for me.

[Fanriffic]

You've all convinced me to go and see my GP. I will book an appointment for end of the week.

Thank you 237SJ, Sqad and Samuraisan for your feedback replies.

I just know the Doctor will tell me just to keep taking the pain killers and take things easy - no heavy lifting. Still worth getting it checked out. Thanks guys. End of post.