Rib Pop vs. Broken Rib

Rib Pop vs. Broken Rib? Did you pop your rib or do you have a broken rib?
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If you just suffered a rib pop from jiu-jitsu, chances you are either done some damage to the rib cartilage or possibly broken a rib. Rib injuries often occur as a direct impact or forceful movement where the abdominals and rib cage are contracted. In the case of jiu-jitsu, it may be from a forceful move, knee on belly, getting caught in a body triangle, or when you were trying to lock down a triangle and cut the corner.
Rib injuries and the pain associated with them tend to come in contact with sports like wrestling, jiu-jitsu (BJJ), and Judo. There are many other ways that you can injure a rib as well but the truth is that they are not well understood in the research and are not treated like other types of injuries. This is likely because the rib cage is fixated on the thoracic spine unlike other joints of the body.
When you injure a rib, you will often hear a popping sound which can be the costal cartilage (rib cartilage) becoming injured or a fracture of the rib. This video is meant to help you understand what type of rib pain you may be having so that you can treat it properly. As a Chiropractor who treats a lot of sports injuries, I can tell you that rib injuries in BJJ tend to occur on the front cartilage region and they do often linger around. Make sure you get this treated properly so that you can ensure that you can get back on the mats as soon as possible.
Health & Medical Disclaimer: Please note this video is for educational purposes and is not meant to help treat or diagnose your condition. We recommend you seek professional advice, guidance, and instruction prior to completing any physical activity.
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[@Ttvmushygushy]

It’s crazy I didn’t even say bjj while searching and this dude already knew, I was trying to explode up while in side control

[@DrJoshJagoda]

It is very common in this sport!

[@DAV0320]

Yup, exactly what happened to me. Had a heavier training partner, working on side control escapes...pop

[@behzadshariati1297]

That’s awesome. Stacking gaurd pass fail for me. 😂

[@almota7]

That’s the algorithm

[@lukkylou]

Same thing happened to me last night.

[@SalsaCaballero]

Urgent Care said it was a Pop. I was doing hack squats and on the second to last rep I felt a pop on the ribs. It didn't really hurt. I finished my last 2 reps and went on to curls. Didn't hurt either. Then I went to RDLs and immediately, I felt a bad rib stretch pain. I went to the treadmill and after 2-3 minutes my ribs cramped up. Went to urgent care, they said don't work out for a week. I did that. Today was the first day back. I didn't lift. I walked 4 miles. It felt good. I still have minor discomfort, but nowhere near as bad, I had last week. I just took a deep breath, maybe a 0.5/10 type of pain. Barely felt some sort of discomfort, but nothing big.

[@AdrepKeith]

Thanks for the advice Dr. One thing I would mention from my experience getting cartilage and muscle tears several times, "A little rest" ain't gonna fix it, It could take weeks! And I have found the pain gets much worse when trying to sleep. I'm talking pain level 7 discomfort. As my day progresses the pain eases up considerably. As I said though it could take several weeks to heal. AND it can get reinjured more easily in the future. I once reinjured an old rib injury while under my car twisting off the oil filter. I could actually feel it pop.

[@antoineleedolliole7549]

I experience the same when I get rib damage or smack my ankle with my skateboard too many times in a day. Ita fine when working or skating but... once your body is at rest, it sends all that bummer information, running the pain program. I use cbd if It's too irritating to ignore.

[@meshell1399]

How is your rib pain today?

[@JamesPond]

Thanks for these rib videos. This is something that is common in BJJ and there is not good info for jiu jitsu and how to get back on the mats. I fractured left 8th rib doing a triangle and having an elbow dropped. I’ve been out for 3-weeks and frustrated that most medical professionals don’t know how to advise or help understand what is happening. These are very helpful.

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Glad this was helpful. Yeah most people just sat rest, and while that is a lot of what you can do, there is breathing, and various other types of work we can do. Feel well and get better soon.

[@garygjl9036]

I do windshield washer movements on the high bar and I heard a pop yesterday. No bruising/bleeding at site, not actual skeletal rib fracture, dislocation/perhaps subluxation(?). Pain. Cartilage stretch/disruption seems correct. I'll try the taping. Thank you again. I'm going to talk to an athletic trainer on Monday.

[@crappyvegan]

Thanks for the content and the resources! Based on your description I feel like I've had slipped rib syndrome in both ribs from separate injuries 2 and 3 years ago. Day to day there's no pain anymore but they poke the ground sharply if I lay flat, I tap early all the time just from uncomfortable twisted positions, and occasionally doing gardening or other odd things like reaching down to grab something off the floor from a sitting position gives me a sensation of "hell no, don't do that!". Even so, I couldn't imagine doing surgery to fix it, it just seems extreme, very specialized and costly. Everyone says it will heal soon enough but I don't believe them either. I just figure, this is how it is, and to take it easy.

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Sorry to hear that. If this is still an issue for you it may be a time to get an image of it like an MRI or CT scan. Hope you feel well!

[@seandarke1892]

Yeah you just let them heal back on their own then they're going to be poking out

[@kevinconanbankens5258]

Rolling yesterday something exploded in my front ribs. Lots of pain. Video helped. Thank you! Kevin Conan Bankens👍

[@hectorlopez1089]

I'm glad I found this video. Recently "popped" my rib while getting stacked by a heavier rolling partner, and I made a mistake by turning while still being slacked and pop! Got xrays done, they said looked clear. The pain for sure has subsided. What's funny though is that I still feel the "pop" though not as painful 2 weeks ago but I only feel it now in the morning rite when I wake up and trying to get out of bed. After about an hour it's gone. Idk why. Really strange to me. I also feel what feels like either tissue or cartilage forming where the pop originally occurred. Feels like I have a bump now. Thanks again for this video. Will be sharing your channel with my gym mates.

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Ossss. Sorry to hear about the rib. Yeah, there is often a bump or "tenting" that occurs. Sometimes it goes away, sometimes not. Thanks for sharing this info! It really helps make a difference.

[@shamircardenas9314]

How long did it take for your rib to stop popping out of place? I feel like I have a similar injury from a competition this weekend. When I make certain movements I feel something pop out of place but then I just stretch and it pops back. Not too much pain associated with it and it’s been about 3 days since the injury.

[@hectorlopez1089]

@Shamir Cardenas 3 weeks aprx. But I rested. no rolling. No excessive exercise or sudden movements. I still attended class. But I just hit 1 month yesterday with the injury and it still feels sore after drilling.

[@shamircardenas9314]

@@hectorlopez1089 thanks for the response! Yeah I rested yesterday but went to class today. Just worked on the technique, specific training and 2 super light rolls… like honestly the hardest I pushed was like 15%. Definitely felt it pop in and out throughout class but at the end, maybe cause I was warmed up, it didn’t pop as much during certain movements.

[@piyushkumar-me1nb]

​@@shamircardenas9314does it still pop now

[@johnwhiley4090]

Thanks for making video and mentioning jujitstu speciffically. Ive played football and wrestled and never had a rib injuring until rolling. I sustain some type of rib injury while rolling in the area you described. It was odd bc it was a twisting force while rolling almost like my abs produced enough force to pop my rib. I felt a pop and pain and soreness for a few weeks hoping it heals on its own.

[@rennierad]

I popped a rib on the top upper left side. I went to my family doctor and she ordered an x-ray and said everything was fine I have a little arthritis in both shoulders and clavicle. I kept insisting to my family doctor this is a little bit more than a crick in the neck,because the pain was God awfuI. I was in hell for 6 months. When I would rest at night the swelling in my shoulder would ride up to my neck. I finally went to the spine Joint Center and they said I had popped this rib and he popped it back in place. I'm a bit sore but I had instant relief from that hard nagging awful pain. Thank you for putting this information out there to help people. I really appreciate it. ❤💕👌

[@DrJoshJagoda]

I hope you can find some relief and I am glad you are getting looked at. You are very welcome, and I appreciate you watching this!

[@danafatujr7214]

Thanks Doc, hahaha wrestling these big monsters at St Louis Highschool on Oahu. Me being 55yrs young, I’m helping coach my sons 7th grade Intermediate grades, no real threat. So, after practice I go roll around with 3 big monsters varsity, doing well, handling my own UNTIL , don’t really remember but I think I was Grammy-roll and had the biggest one going over we where battling who was gonna win the roll. Boom I remember in my body I felt and heard internal “pop.” Exactly what you said just below my left nipple, near sternum…adrenaline stayed on so after ironmen w big sol’es/Hawaiians, I started to feel that pain when breathing. Mahalo for your videos, YES, no rolling around with any wrestlers just gimping around and pointing out corrections until cartridge is solid healing and even after that, as much I have a tenacious wrestlers heart….ahhh maybe I’ll just demo moves for the bigger weights…Mahalo Again. Blessing no major hot skin, or catching breath, pretty much all the symptoms of cartilage issue Dana Ps I’m starting those breathing rehab laying down, the sitting up w good posture…in matter of hours of injury doc, can I immediately start rehab breathing ?

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Thanks for watching and sorry to hear about the rib! You can start the breathing techniques but it may be a bit more shallow at the beginning.

[@danafatujr7214]

No thanks doc serious went yesterday on the mat but just instruction no hands on. My pain is 80% gone.. I just subscribed to you for more preventative measures Mahalo from Paradise

[@ricksanchezrosallini3482]

Thank you so much! I disruptored my rib last night in BJJ. It is very common in our sport. Ty Oss

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Sorry to hear that feel better and thanks for checking us out.

[@garygjl9036]

also my pop was at the distal lateral right base of the ribcage. hope that makes sense.

[@BarbaraWarren1111]

Amazingly helpful video! I just subscribed to your channel. I popped a rib 2 days ago for the first time ever...just sitting up in bed and reaching forward to get something out of a box on my bed.I heard that "pop" for the first time...weird sound and immediate pain... that is getting worse. I also have a slipped disc in my back, going unchecked for 10 years next month. It affects my walking when slipped out. I really need to get to the hospital and get x-rays on both areas. Thanks so much for your expertise and recommendations! Barbara.. from Newfoundland Canada 🇨🇦.

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Thanks for watching Barbara. I hope you heal up quickly and get some therapy or some rehab guidance to help you in the near future. Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

[@BarbaraWarren1111]

@@DrJoshJagoda aww... thanks so much Dr. Josh for your kind reply to me. All the best going forward with your helpful and insightful channel!

[@Symporia]

Very helpful information. I searched for rib injuries, not even specifying BJJ related ones and this popped up 😅 I injured my ribcage from a JJ tournament two days ago I’m determining the next step of action as I believe it is the cartilage and exactly in the spot you mentioned when it is the soft tissue and not the actual rib itself.

[@tonyhanley9458]

I was getting work done on my lower back for compression of the lower left back, just above the pelvis area. Upon my second treatment as I;was on my stomach I felt a niggle /pain in front of the rib(about 3 from the bottom) . I was getting deep tissue massage where he was working along my spine-middle to upper ,on 2 knots., and my neck. A few days later I went to lift my left arm to pick up a bag of meat from the butchers and I felt a big POP in the front of rib cage and excruciating pain. It’s been about 6 days now and it’s still giving me hell. I can feel the pain at the back near my spine and rhe front of the rib below the breast. I had a fall upside down a few yrs ago, landing on my neck/head from about 3 feet & hurt this area. I feel that the deep tissue manipulation aggravated/moved old injury. I couldn’t sleep , lie down comfortably or breathe for the first couple nights. I had to repeat to myself - let go, let go, let go to release the tension enough so as I could relax enough to try to get some sleep. Ribs are a nightmare of an injury. I haven’t done anything with them to help recovery, won’t be going back to BIG THUMB MASSAGE AGAIN.

[@WpnsCo2013OEF]

I've been in contact sports all my life. So funny I find you saying bjj it's common because I just started my bjj journey 3months ago and have already experienced my first popped rib. Crazy how that's the first few things you mentioned haha I had no idea how it happened.

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Welcome to the club! Both for BJJ and for popped ribs. Heal quickly please

[@platandrodek]

A couple broken ribs rh, but glad everything else is going well

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Heal quickly

[@Mr.Peanut1986]

Thats what im trying to figure out! The mid, right side/back. Feels next to my spine. I thought it was fractured at first, but now im not so sure.

[@jacquelinebouvier3920]

i think i bruised mine during Qi Gong along with pressure washing-same day-thank you

[@DrJoshJagoda]

You are welcome

[@axel6504]

I would just like to thank you Dr. Josh your videos have been very helpful after my first rib injury. After talking to upper belts it's crazy how really common rib injuries are. Your videos have made my recovery so much easier! Would you also have any opinions on rib compression padding? Thank you!

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Osss you’re welcome! Thanks for watching and your comment! There is a padded rash guard you can wear. It’s pretty cool for getting back into bjj post injury. geni.us/gyUyR

[@axel6504]

@@DrJoshJagoda Thank you so much!!!

[@tracidavis2278]

My underwire bra aligned perfectly with a metal rod in the arm of my couch as I stretched over it to grab my phone that fell on the floor the two pieces of metal somehow worked together I think separate my ribs and it is wildly painful from my sternum to my back all the way on that side. from a bra ffs

[@mpmassacre91]

I broke 3 ribs at a slayer show early in the concert I stayed till the end then went to get x ray 3 broke,next day I was working carrying river rock to finish my bosses pond. The pain was real but mind over matter.

[@DrJoshJagoda]

wow. Get better soon!

[@Novalex1016]

Create an updated version of this? Maybe a little more visual

[@Novalex1016]

Good info!!

[@DannyO.Garcia]

I was bending over this ledge of a bin and was putting all my body weight on the area you mentioned and i heard a pop and felt the wind pushed out of my lungs from the pain. Went and got a X-ray dr told me nothings wrong. Yet deep breaths twisting and moving causes pain.

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Get well soon

[@greekgod9554]

I guess you r having slipping ribs

[@germann9046]

Really helpful video. I’m going to recommend your channel to everybody at my gym. I believe I have a cartilage disruption based on your video. I felt it pop trying to escape side control on the top right part of my rib. The pain honestly on a scale of one through 10 is about a four so I kept on rolling. I feel no pain honestly but sometimes I do a specific crunching type movement and it pops out again and I have to stretch it and pop it back in. It’s been about a week and I’m starting to feel that fibrosis you said. My question is, even if it pops out again here and there, is it still healing or am I back to square one every time I feel it pop? Should I still ice it what else could I do to help out healing process?

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Glad this was helpful and thanks for recommending and sharing this channel. I would say that you want to really avoid the popping and clicking or it popping out of place. Yes it can heal, but it is likely that popping it is going to take more time and delay your recovery. Ice is a good option but I find heat feels better (5-7min only). Soft tisssue, scraping, and then strengthening is best before returning to play. Make sure you play top game, not guard!

[@aolszewski3]

You're explaining my exact situation. I too was trying to escape side control. Are you feeling any better?

[@JimmyJams87]

Can a symptom of these be the lower front side of the rib sticking out more than usual? I was rolling about almost two weeks ago and and got into a scramble situation and my right side of my ribs landed/rolled over my partners fist and I felt a crunch and it took my breath away briefly. I know it’s not broken because I’ve broken ribs on my left side before and couldn’t do anything. I can move around but twisting motions hurt and ab/core exercises hurt. The lowermost rib on the front right side is sticking out more so than normal and more so than compared to the left side and is very tender all around that area

[@martialsmartest9725]

Good work bro. Thanks for the info. Jiu jitsu specific series would be great... things for each submission and likely injuries.. put it out on bjj fanatics lol

[@DrJoshJagoda]

That would be pretty neat idea. Would need to get a bit of mat space but heck, that would be a ton of info and a sweet thing to do.

[@martialsmartest9725]

@@DrJoshJagoda plenty of mat space up here in Canada if you want to come train and film ;)

[@buzby303]

I was putting out the rubbish after a Ju-Jitsu session with my mattress I feel most these type injuries that I have suffered over the years are mainly bruised & not broke (tempting fate) Keep stretching & deep breathing folks !

[@joepic85]

Ha, i looked this up not knowing BJJ would be mentioned.. and yep thats exactly how i hurt my ribs. Dude pulled me down in open guard and put his knee in my ribs to try and sweep me

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Ouch! A lot of our info is all about BJJ

[@humanlife808]

Hi thanks for this video. I don't do contact sport, I'm 43 & a gym rat, 225lb. I was showing someone hanging side leg raises on a chin up frame when I felt a bad pinch & narley pain in my side. (I havent done these in a few years..) My first thought was that I pinched muscle between my rib & hip during the contraction. Next few days really hurt to twist in bed etc. Now 2 weeks later doesn't really hurt, only when I sneeze. Lower back rib area. Any help is greatly appreciated cheers 💪🏽

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Typically stabilization and gentle rehab help the most at the beginning. I would say check out some of those other videos we have. There is a whole playlist on ribs alone! Get better!

[@NotMuchThanks]

Ha! I was training with a 100kg dude, he took me down, landed on me and now here we are!

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Welcome but sorry you feel some discomfort.

[@NotMuchThanks]

@@DrJoshJagoda thank you for your content!

[@waffensuperninja]

Thanks man. Thought it was broken. Turned out it was just massive pain due to cartilage hahaha. Also i was recovering from a lung infection when it happened. I was in full expectorate mode while healing. Ughgggg so much pain but i think it relocated my ribs and helped me to heal faster. We will see. Was 2 weeks ago tomorrow

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Heal quick, this can be painful for sure.

[@talschuricht4847]

Thank you ...I hurt my ribs trying to smash a spider....no joke...rib and also have upper back pain..I'm 59 retired, so I'm able to rest...

[@Hagall999]

Hi Josh, thanks so much for these informational videos about rib injuries, especially about Jiu Jitsu specifically, it's so hard to find reliable info. I popped my rib about 7 months ago when someone sat hard into a mount on top of me (x-ray looked fine and the ER Dr. said just rest it). It was incredibly painful for at least a few weeks, maybe a month or more. Now after 7 months I still have a bump where it popped. I am largely pain free and back to many things (kettlebells, calisthenics, etc), and am doing some Jiu Jitsu, but am very mentally sensitive to re-injuring that area. I am writing because I still have a bump or lump where it popped, and it still occasionally gets irritated and causes pain for a few days/week from time to time. After 7 months...is this common for torn rib cartilage? Thanks again, really appreciate it.

[@DrJoshJagoda]

The bump or "tenting" is something I often find after injury. It can be a change in the alignment or scar tissue. Sometimes they go away, sometimes they do not. Thanks for watching and yes, much of our info is going to be BJJ related.

[@Hagall999]

@@DrJoshJagoda So no obvious reason to get it looked at by another Dr it sounds like. Thanks so much!

[@vvv_cesar]

Hi thanks for the vídeo, is there a vídeo about rehab broken cartilage? Thanks

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Hey thanks for watching Paulo! They are basically the similar treatments but if it is broken, it may require a longer rest period. I have a playlist with rib injuries that you can watch. We recommend breathing techniques to start before you do anything else.

[@ianwasian4894]

I was sparring about a week ago and during that spar, I felt a pop just underneath my right breast towards the middle of my chest sternum area. I don’t have any pain when I breathe or when I cough. I can inhale deeply and exhale deeply with no problem. The problem is when I am rolling and I use my right side and I use or move to a certain positions, it hurts to the point that I have to tap myself out. I believe it’s like you said the Cartlidge portion of the rib. My question is will a compression band on my ribs help me limit the pain while I roll.

[@hoodeinstein4415]

I really hope you help me with this. More than 2 years ago, I was at the gym when I was doing shoulder raises and felt some pain in my upper back, the kinda pain that makes you go "let me stop". A few days later, I start getting very sharp chest pain, like a needle almost. That lasted for like 2/4 weeks. I went to see a doctor, gave me a bs name for an "inurable disease". I just ignored it and the pain subsided. About less than 2 months after that, I started feeling some sort of chronic pain in my upper right back, which I couldn't explain where it's coming from. All my upper back (right side) had tenses up so much that it even got to my neck. And the worst part was that sometimes at night I couldn't breathe. I went to plenty chiropractic and physiotherapists, each giving me a different diagnosis. Nothing helped. I couldn't spend more money on this so I just lived with it. Now, I got a small golf ball and have been rolling my back on it only to experience INTENSE pain... so many knots in my upper back that I just don't know where they're from. The pain is giving me headaches at this point, and I really need help. Do you have any idea what I'm experiencing? And what I could do about it?

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Sorry to hear that. It really sounds like there are a bunch of things going on with regard to the pain and it's getting in the way of your life. Rolling out all the time can help a bit, but if the pain and headaches are not going away, it's just delaying your solution to your problem. If rolling it out helps, great but it sounds like it's temporary and there is no long-term results. Have you done a rehab? Corrective Exercises? Treatment? I know money may be tight but it sounds like you really need some help and a plan on what to do. I would recommend you get some more help and someone who can give you rehab exercises, and a plan on what you can do. If you like us to help, please reach out to us. I hope you get some relief!

[@hoodeinstein4415]

@@DrJoshJagoda I did go to a physio who gave me some trap exercises, but it didn't help much. Of course, that'd be great. Let me know how I could reach out privately. Thank you,

[@rileygilladventures]

I was escaping out of a mount and heard a pop and had to stop immediately, it is not close to the spine like you mentioned. It is on the back left side, a little bit below halfway on my ribs. I can press on the certain area that hurts and it's definitely not where you said the "popped" rib would be. I'm experiencing all the other stuff, painful breathing and coughing. I literally just sneezed and it was incredibly excruciating and it felt like something shifted a little bit

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Sorry to hear that. I hope you're feeling better now.

[@candacecoulter982]

Me too same place except on my right side. Most excruciating pain I've ever had. I cant move at all right now. When I breathe it hurts. Almost feels like when I breath my rib is stuck. I've had xray and ct scan and they say nothing but there is definitely something going on.

[@peachydls341]

I had to jump my neighbor's tall fence to retrieve my son's ball and landed on my feet and knee correctly but my upper body crunched my right side and heard a pop. It still hurts when I do basic things 😣

[@HotClips1999]

I have a question idk if this is what I have but when ever I’m in a car and it’s turning I feel something moving or when I lay on my right said and press a little I feel something move and then I have to breath in again to press it again to make it pop

[@KYLE_FROM_THE_FUTURE]

Well, great 🙃 It’s been 2 months now, about 20 different pops throughout that 2 months, I can only get half-breaths, and now shit is getting weird like my whole left side cramping and having to curl up in a ball. I think messed myself up pretty bad in this one guys. FYI, this from a Muay Thai kick to the ribs, then a few knees to the same ribs 1 month into “recovery”. Lesson learned… let your body fully heal before going back into full training. 😞

[@KYLE_FROM_THE_FUTURE]

Getting an MRI today to make sure no internal issues are occurring 🤝

[@starlight7159]

What doctor can check this cause I can’t get any help from PCP and nothing shows on X-ray or MRI. But I can’t hear a popping sound.

[@Mr.Ripper113]

I was deadlifting and and I felt a huge pop and dull pain after which is why I'm here

[@DrJoshJagoda]

WELCOME! Thanks for watching. Check out the Rib pain videos

[@pambiggin1917]

I had a rib injury 10 yrs ago been ill alately had cough an left ribe cage very bad can i do ought about it now

[@Retired229]

I broke my 7th and 10th rib in Jiu-jitsu. Not even sure when or how. I took a break for 6 weeks, went back to trwining, and within the first minute of rolling I gelt and heard a pop. I thought I had broken my ribs again, but x-ray confirmed nothing was broken

[@CrunchyToeGamingChannle]

I had my back taken and I reached around and tried to explode to turn in and just heard a loud snap along with some pressure in my ribs, not to much pain but I’ve broke bones many times before and it sounded and felt a lot similar 😬hoping for the best

[@MrScamman]

My ribs get injured so easily. So much more than other people. The slightest blow or throw can injure my ribs. It keeps happening, and it's very painful. It keeps me out of action for at least 4 weeks every time. Do some people have weaker ribs than others? Why can some people take the blows and yet i can't? It's so frustrating!

[@FranciscoBrostantino]

I had my ribs crushed twice when rolling with bigger guys but have been lucky because they healed on their own after a few weeks/months. Choose your partners carefully lol.

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Well said!

[@ka1z3nb]

i do muay thai, after sparring i was sore but it took a day or two to really start feeling my rib. i got x-rays done thinking it was a fracture. they said it must just be bruised. i went home and tried to massage it and i felt something click. currently unsure what to do. just hoping it’ll heal up and be fine.

[@sudaniscience249]

I got a rib crack from jiu-jitsu two weeks ago and it is nt getting better with time (my partner knee was right in my stomach - we are both white belt and clumsy). I stopped attending classes of course for now. The most problem is I don't really know the right position to lay on bed when sleeping and I always wake up with more pain. Some days I would avoid laying in bed at all 😅 I can sit and work on my desk for 10+ hours but not laying.

[@DrJoshJagoda]

try to find comfort whenever you can. Maybe lay with the affected side Up?

[@krishk4870]

Thankyou, Thank God . ThankYT. I really panicked about this movement in my rip with untoldable pain, I thought it was a fracture but after seeing yours video it's exactly poped condition and it's settling down slowly but if I do anything a little bit hard again it will get popped with heavy pain 😢. What should i do now? I have been going through this for 3 days. How long it would take to recover????

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Thanks for watching! Check out our Rib Injury Playlist. These are great to help you in your recovery. It can take a couple months + depending on the severity.

[@80Demitri]

Very informative, thanks! This sucks as I think I have a cracked rib on my lower left side from a throw. So bummed out as I am only 2 weeks in. It's strange though as I have no bruising and it doesn't hurt when I breathe...just turning motions etc

[@yesir9165]

How long did it take heal?

[@80Demitri]

It's about 90% healed now...prbably take 3 months to it to be back to 100% @@yesir9165

[@samduss4193]

Location is left side, would say more left side of my heart.... 5 years ago i fell badly while doing soccer with my elbow straight there, a year ago a jujitsu put his weight and it started again... and lately a punch... the feeling is as if the Rib go inside my body... and hurt... right now when breathing fully i feel a pop move.. It happened only 3 days ago.. so i am in healing process the pain is fading everyday... I am bother that it comes easily again over and over . perhaps Ineed some exercice to make myself a muscle block that just stop ALL hit going there

[@KonzetayEse]

this has been the best explanation ive found. Thank You ! Im almost 100% sure i got a carttilage dirsuption on 3 ribs. Luckily, the pain went away in about a month & can now do a situp with no pain. How long would you say id have to wait, to workout comfortably? or should i just start now, but with very light weight.

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Thanks for watching! I would say you can start with something light. Bike rides, walks, maybe even running depending...

[@jmrm809]

I found your video really helpful diagnosing i have a popped rib. Popped a rib yesterday at a tournament…it has not been very fun this morning as I continually feel it popping out of place if i do certain movements. With some rest and relaxation how long do you think this will persist? Trying to figure out at what point I should go see a doctor if needed. Thank you for your help!

[@DrJoshJagoda]

I am glad to hear it helped. Getting back to full activity without pain can likely take a couple months or so. My initial thoughts are to stabilize it, avoid aggressive ranges of motion, tape it, so that you do not increase the symptoms or cause it to become more unstable.

[@fjb4750]

I popped or rolled ? a rib years ago moving a heavy musical organ down into the basement and it took forever to heal. The other day I was pulling a intake off a truck and the force of pulling up and having my ribs on the front of the truck I heard a loud pop. I’m not looking forward to how long this is going to take to heal again. Probably one of the worst injuries I’ve had, besides C2 fracture lol

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Thanks for watching and I hope you heal quickly! These injuries are definitely uncomfortable. Try your best to practice deep breathing without irritation of the chest wall, mild bracing. If you have to lift heavy, it may be a good idea to tape the ribs.

[@gothicfashionista7175]

it'd really help if someone did a video discussing how to tell the difference between a bruised rib and a fractured rib, - my right rib hurts just where it meets the sternum, hurting to move (sit up when i've been laying down), cough, breathe and ibuprofen hasn't helped at all. - even stretching is difficult and i have a high plain tolerance.

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Thanks for watching. This video does discuss it. Do you have other questions we can help with? We don't usually recommend stretching fresh injuries as they can cause more irritation. It sounds like you hurt the ribs pretty good and maybe it's time to get a professional consult. Rib pain near the sternum is usually more cartilage in nature but it also depends on how you actually hurt it. Hope you do well with this.

[@MattGarZero]

I had a fractured rib that didn't show up on x-ray when it happened. I found out later that it's pretty common. Something like 25-33% of rib fractures are missed in x-rays. Either way, treatment for a fracture or bruise are the same. Full on breaks and dislocations could require surgery, but both of those are easy to spot. Tldr: fractured or bruised ribs are more or less the same injury.

[@xjustinjx]

ugh, it hurts right around rib 6 bone and that cartilage, but also on the side of 6...i was doing just fine after a few weeks until i was recommended a chiropractor by some moron and right when i was starting to feel better...after the chiro, its worse than ever before...ruined weeks of healing...

[@Obsrvr86118]

Can I get some tips and advice? i started jui jitsu just about 3 months ago. the first class I rolled with a white belt twice the size of me and he jumped on me to mount. rib was gone. then I waited a month and half for it to heal, in that time I hurt my obliques because of poor technique. Then finally started feeling almost 100% again then yesterday first roll another guy threw me in a take down and full body landed on my chest, hurting the same rib that was hurt before. I am desperately googling and trying to youtube how to protect my rib when I am thrown or I am on my back but nothing comes up. do I need to tuck my elbows in? do I pull my knees and hope they land on my knee instead of my chest? how do judokas, wreslers and BJJ fighters not constantly have rib injuries. Or am I just the biggest softie? Thanks for the answers

[@d.d.lucier3200]

Great video. I tripped and fell backwards a few days ago and landed very hard on the shoulder blade area. Then searing pain ran around one of the ribs and ended up under my breast. A lump has since formed there. And there's popping and crackling going on. Must be a rib pop. It's really hard to get up, bend over, etc. I truly hope it heals sooner than later. Never knew a blow to the back would set off pain in the front. Very upsetting - I need to catch a plane in a few weeks.

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Thanks for watching and I hope you get better soon. Please take a look at the other videos about rib pain (playlist too) that can help your recovery.

[@sandiegan3788]

Something very similar just happened to me about two hours ago. I emptied an armoire because I just wanted to lift one side a quarter inch to slip a small wedge under it to even out the armoire. When I bent over to pick it up I strained so much that I heard the pop and it felt like a knife stab. It's not making any noise now but it hurts if I bend over to pick something up off the floor. I'm going to wait a few days and see if it improves. I hope you're doing better.

[@d.d.lucier3200]

@@sandiegan3788 Sorry to hear this! The pain may be delayed for a while. Serious pain didn't really start for me until a good number of hours afterward! I had to sleep faceup, etc. And I made sure to clear my airways and lungs periodically, as painful as that was, so I wouldn't get pneumonia, etc. I took pain killers to get over the worst of it. (Check in with your doctor if that's needed.) I was amazed that not much can be done in most of these instances. Thankfully, Mother Nature did take care of it eventually in my case - it took her six weeks for bring me back to normal. Sending healing energies your way!

[@annettekingsley1235]

I have a question what if you don't do that sport and you are just playing around and you have someone who is heavier than you are and you hear an extremely loud pop and and crunch then an instance amount of pain now it hurts to breathe and it's very tender to touch lower front left side I'm not someone who runs to the hospital for everything because it might just be a bruise my friend even heard it and said WTH was that 😮

[@user-qh7kd2tc7u]

That’s exactly how I have it I do have a hard time breathing in addition to the indentation

[@takangpharrel]

Hi a noela and i was at the gym today and after workout my coach laid me on my back nad belly up bringing my knee closer to my chest and then he pushed it down on my belly and then i head a pop around my left rib side so far i dont have pains while breathing but i tried to locate the area and i felt a little pain qhen i push with my finger

[@grominwithrob1339]

I had a CT scan and am going through a few months of physical therapy. I'm at around 8 weeks and my ribs under my right arm still pop. It doesn't hurt but it definitely feels weird.

[@bennethos]

same here, but they didn't see anything on x-ray or ct-scan. But ever since a pull-up exercise where I had a dislocation I have the feeling it needs to pop, and it does sometime. But it's been months now and the only advice am getting is too rest and not do that type of exercise anymore . but can't do pull-ups or push-ups anymore even 6m later, super annoying.

[@DrJoshJagoda]

This needs to be treated and rehabilitated properly then. Doing nothing is not a good idea, but NOT seeing someone to help you is not a good idea either at this point.

[@LThill-ks2uz]

It's been almost a year after popping some part of the costal catilage on lower right. When I bend or lean I feel a section pop in or out, it's not bothersome, just annoying. My worthless doctor just says there's nothing he can do, no explanations or solutions, just dismisses me and off to the next patient $

[@JaredMaldonado]

I was injured 2 days ago. I woke up in the morning today with my bottom front rib slipping and i stretched and it went back in place. How long until i should be worried that this may need surgery? You mentioned if it doesn’t get better with rest but how much rest?

[@shelleybelly4115]

It couldve been a 54 year old out of shape woman ran up the stairs and tripped on the next to the last step and fell and hit her ribs on the edge of the last step and cracked #6. Yep i felt so proud lying there in excruciating pain. Lol

[@betsythompson2383]

Thanks, super helpful. How long do you notice a popped rib usually takes to heal?

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Depending on the severity and recovery process, about 6-8 weeks.

[@balaokhidievbie]

@@DrJoshJagoda I broke 5 ribs its 4 months now I still feel pain and I am concerned , is it normal?

[@Alileverything]

Omg man I'm in so much pain I got ran over by a SUV truck they hit me at 50 mph and kept driving I went to hospital have a broken rib and three factures, have not rested at all but my rib keeps popping in and out smh🤦 I'm in super pain it got worse six days later after I got hit

[@DrJoshJagoda]

sorry to hear this. I hope you recover well!

[@Pavel7771]

I had a rib injury a month ago during tournament. I felt a pop and it felt like a rib got out of its place. Then I was laying down flat and felt like it popped back. I had several pops and pop back during a week and having rest now. Can I assume it's a cartilage?

[@Sididz]

Mine is popped up almost at the center of rib (the triangular shape place,the edge of the sternum)

[@ape1022]

Wow. Great video. I now know i popped a rib. I have that lump. Will it go away? It's been 2 weeks. I'll give it another week. Thank you!

[@DrJoshJagoda]

It should go away or reduce significantly. Sometimes they stick around but typically reduce in size. This can happen with time and soft tissue does help too!

[@WittaKOfficial]

Same here. I tackled my dog and later that day it started to have the pain and when I laid down it hurt even more and it’s been about a week and a half and it has decreased in pain and then came back around because I was moving too much taking my dog out. Just rest more.

[@crismamuerta]

Thanks for the information!!! I the as out for 6 weeks, then come back 1 week and the ribs pops again. Since then I’ve been 3 weeks out of the mat and the pain hasn’t improved. X-rays didn’t show much, and the only advice that I got is to rest. What can I do by my end to improve it and get back to the mat, I’m desperate.

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Please check out some of our other videos on the rib injuries. We have a playlist on it.

[@KruegerDan]

I got hard pushed with shoulder on my ribs left side under nipple, i can breathe normally, sneezing makes me some pain, can sleep only on my back. Lifting/ reaching with my lef hand makes pain as well. No bruises on outside when touch there i can feel nothing different from other side. I keep going to work because im okay till im moving specific way. Any ideas what can be wrong? Thanks for response.

[@alonzowilliams1316]

I was playing rugby over the weekend guy landed on me between the ball and the ball was positioned by my rib I got up went to the trainer we are doing exercises I’m hearing a pop fast forward I went to the clinic yesterday for an X-ray they said nothing was broken nor even a bruise but it was swelling that could be seen. So I’ve been taking painkillers and icing it’s been 4 days how long do you think I’ll be having this problem and will the popping sound go away once the swelling is down the area it happen was the left middle anterior rib

[@DrJoshJagoda]

It can be a few weeks to a couple months depending on the level of injury.

[@Christina-dm9pv]

My injury is higher . Like rib 4 - stereo- costal area . Ouch . Helps to tape

[@throughthemuckandthemire677]

Decided to pick up wrestling fundamentals class to help supplement my jiujitsu and popped a rib in the second class lol. Great video, do you have IG?

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Thanks for watching and I hope you feel better! We are on IG but this is our main place for contacting us and content.

[@pambiggin1917]

Also hurts breathing inan out last time had this showed bad infection from lungs on that side can you help

[@jordan20money]

Doc, I did a front flip to escape an armbar and my rib popped. So it’s been a week. I don’t have pain when I breathe or anything. The pain is when I bend forward, and also like how you mentioned, there’s a small indention, and there also like a lump protruding right next to the indention. Like maybe the ribs slipped outta place or something like you mentioned. I’m going to get it checked out, but do you think it’s just cartilage damage? Why is my rib sticking out slightly like this?

[@DrJoshJagoda]

I am glad you're going to check it out. Sounds like rib cartilage injury (depends on where in the rib) but glad you are seeking help.

[@KaityWebster]

Well, my JJ days have been over for a while..😂 Hear I am 6 weeks pregnant with a broken rib. Every time I throw up it’s so painful. Whyyyy 😭😭

[@piyushkumar-me1nb]

The area of injury is still sore after four months why

[@pilot.wav_theory]

I ate a knee to the ribs in Muay Thai class and my ribs made a popping/cracking noise but nothing seems to have moved out of place that I can feel and I can take deep breaths no pain but sitting up hurts and it hurts to the touch. I think it was probably just a soft tissue injury, it seems like it's further out to the side than the cartilage and it's on one of the higher ribs. No bruising though. Weird

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Hopefully its a mild strain/sprain and it heals quickly. Still practice deep breathing to help the ribs.

[@alloverdaplace2043]

Going through very similar got kicked while sparring in muay thai. Been 3 weeks I thought I could avoid it since I'm able to do so much like breathe normally, run, jump rope and shadow box. But as soon as I get tapped in the rib I get dropped immediately 😭

[@kimberlywood7783]

I'm here because I got kicked by a horse 11 days ago and my 5th rib is oof. Painful. Initital xray showed nothing but I'm starting to thing it popped or there's a hairline fracture

[@DrJoshJagoda]

oh my! That sounds painful

[@ashishtonkfitness]

I was doing torso twisting my rib pain start from there I am afraid that can be a pain of kidney please help sir.

[@DrJoshJagoda]

If you think its kidney, please see your medical doctor

[@errongrasby2195]

I am here to after a bjj roll that hurt my ribs. ROFL. Ouch that hurt

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Get better soon!

[@user-hi4eo8vo5c]

Yes my rib popped it was very loud It moves on top of other rib pain is 9plus I’ve been taking deep breaths but on the 3rd week my lungs had really bad pain but I rub the rib back to its place pain goes away 3

[@americanborn3151]

Doc. I has the pop today. It's hurting like hell. But it's on my side, not the front and it's up high. I though I'd be able to rough it out the more it hurts. Is it common to do it from the side vs the front? If it doesn't let up tonight I'll be going to the ER.

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Usually these cartilage issues are on the front side. More fractures tend to occur around the side to the back (angle of the rib). Likely a good decision to get checked regardless. Take care of yourself!

[@shecat1964]

What kind of test will show damage to cartilage? Would an ultrsound work? It takes too long to get any other test. I took a hard elbow to the right side of my ribs just under my breast last sunday. The hot searing pain took my breath away and i dropped to the floor screaming and trying to get a breath. I went and got xrays done the next day and it showed no fracture and no bruising on my skin. The dr did not even touch me other than to listen to my lungs. The pain has now spread all the way front and back and if i cough or bend over something feels like popping. I still cant get a deep breath without hurting. Trying to sit up in bed makes me almost scream. I can not touch anywhere on that section front to spine. If im standing it feel like i have a big rock or hard something on the inside of my ribs. So cartilage does not show on xray, what would show what is going on?

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Correct, Cartilage damage or it "popping" or having a tear of the cartilage will likely show on MRI. These are pretty nasty at first and can be very painful. Try to do some taping to help secure it. There can be a dislocation of the cartilage as well which can contribute to that feeling like it constantly slips out. I hope this helps!

[@shecat1964]

@@DrJoshJagoda Thank you for your reply i did not see till now, I recently went for another xray and do not have results back yet, The pain care specialist i have been already going to said do not tape it or i might get pneumonia. And he says it cant be costochondritis and its not in the front enough. I am feeling much better but it still bothers me if i do too much or bend the wrong way and that feeling like i have a rock under my ribs has not gone away. I have another question for you. Is there any chance a tendon tear in the rotator cuff of your shoulder will heal without an operation? I just got that news too, I have not been able to use my left arm much in close to a year. I had thought it was bursitis as i had that in the same shoulder years ago. But my new MRI says its torn. I think it may have happened when i fell out of bed with a 105 fever from covid. By the way hearing you talk about jiu jitsu gives me happy memories of my youngest daughter, who is going through a very rough time now. I was so proud of her, no one could break her hold. Her teacher called her vice grips. I still have her training vids up on my channel.

[@SalsaCaballero]

@@shecat1964 Did everything workout for you?

[@snookerturk]

I was bent over trying to lift a washing machine near its feet and I felt a pop type crack in the side of my rib cage. Now it's very painful when I laugh or cough but no pain when taking deep breaths ... it been 5 days and the pain is worse today ...

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Consider resting and getting some treatment/evaluation for it...

[@kingsolo6241]

You’ll know without a doubt of your rib is broken. You’ll be out 10-12 weeks and can’t even put your own shoes on for a month.

[@piyushkumar-me1nb]

after that it becomes same as earlier, and when I contacted doctor he said muscle contusion and refused to d xray main issue i am getting some minor pain and some pressure, but if has faded this means it should not pain?

[@mobikes1547]

Dr Josh, Great set of videos. I am new to BJJ (under a month) and popped a rib in class a few days ago. I initially went to my Chiro and he sent me to urgent care. You can feel a pretty aggressive protrusion on the low left side of my sternum. It "pops" in and out with not much pressure. It will also "pop" with deep breath's. At urgent care they did x-ray and CT with contrast and said "everything is fine". It has only been 4 days since the injury at this point. Pain is lower, but definitely cannot take a deep breath, cough/sneeze, or bend over comfortably. How long should I wait before going to see someone else? Should that someone else be a Chiro like yourself with BJJ experience, or should it be a surgeon? Thank you for your time...

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Thanks for watching! Welcome to BJJ! Glad all is fine, and at this point you can get soft tissue, gentle rehab and recovery for a few days to weeks and then monitor it. Biggest mistake is people go back too early! Start with PT or rehab chiro and if it doesn't get better move to MD/Surgeon

[@bobstuckrath1805]

@@DrJoshJagoda, It doesn't sound fine to me.

[@alexesgate1487]

This sounds exactly like me right now. How long did it take to heal? Any tips?

[@mobikes1547]

@@alexesgate1487 Man it sucks. Definitely go SLOW when trying to get back into rolling. I just went to class and watched for a few weeks. Then I started doing some basic drilling, but NO sparing. Even during drilling I would warn my partner that I may top to just pressure quite quickly. It took me a few months to even get to sparing. Then I ended up popping a damn rib on the other side and had to start the process all over. End result now, is that I have a deformed rib cage that feels strange when I am laying on stomach, but back to full rolling with no issues.

[@alexesgate1487]

@@mobikes1547 Thanks for the info mate. Really frustrating as ive only been going 3 weeks and all i want to do it learn more and roll haha! I've bought some BPC 157 Peptides to try and increase the recovery rate, so will see if these help at all!

[@seandarke1892]

Mine was done at work I was leaning over a box on a pallet to get some items out and the box edge went underneath my ribs and when I went to come back out of the box it popped the right side of my ribs

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Sorry to hear that. I hope you heal quickly. The first few days will likely be a little sore.

[@leakedclipsdaily]

Was playing basketball. Got elbowed hard. It hurt briefly but was able to play through the rest of the game with minor issues. Pain went away next day. 5 days later played again got hit in the same spot and now it hurts the next day. Felt a little pull this time. Back hurts a little bit, pain is minor but feels sore and I am able to press down and feel the specific spot of the injury. No issues breathing, deep breaths. No pain twisting or bending. No pain when stretching. What do you think the issue is and what would you advise I do?

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Probably a rib bruise but if it doesn’t go away, you should get some help

[@leakedclipsdaily]

@@DrJoshJagoda - Indeed it was. The pain is now starting to go away.

[@FreshStartProject]

I bruised and popped my rib a week ago (boxing). I can now breathe comfortably, and it's slowly getting better, but if I turn with strength or do a sit-up, or move wrong it pops out. If I sneeze, it hurts, and holding the rib while I sneeze helps. I can stretch that side to get it to pop back in. Question is, do you recommend reccomend some tapping or some wrap around the ribs to help keep it in place? Any recommendation for how to do this? Thank you for the video!

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Sorry to hear that! YES taping can help for sure! I do have a video on how to do that exactly. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZe4o2OHeZaAiLc

[@McCarthyJohn100]

I had a slipped rib on the lower right for years. After doing P.T. for 9 months, it got much worse. A few months later, a CT scan showed a Chronic fracture in the right 10th rib about an inch from my spine. That was a year and a half ago and its still fractured. Orthopedic keeps telling me it'll heal, but I'm trying to figure out something else that can be done because its becoming unbearable with activity.

[@piyushkumar-me1nb]

Suffering from chest pain and tenderness three months after Minor chest injury. x ray report is totally normal.Orthopaedic doctor and general physician is saying nothing to worry u will recover.If x ray is normal why its still paining after three months and how long it will pain.there is also small hard bump of 2 mm inside Muscles feel when I press hard there.Contacted two doctors in Apollo Hospital Bangalore main branch

[@drewnest1179]

The top atypical rib is popped out right now from an armbar. I wish I had x-ray vision to set it back already 10/10 don't recommend

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Heal up quickly!

[@Alex-ej4wm]

Thanks this helped a lot! As soon as you pointed to the spot and said popped rib I knew. I actually had a back rib pull out of place 2 years ago and it healed fine so I hope this will be the same.

[@DrJoshJagoda]

I hope you heal quickly even though we know this injury tends to linger around.

[@willy_theb5777]

How long did it take,and were you active during that time?

[@Frizzle2003]

My upper rib has popped/subluxed multiple times from just twisting and stretching my body. After the last couple of these subluxations I’ve been having a popping/clicking on my left rib just under my chest (next to sternum) for over 4 months. It’s usually popping more often when I breathe in and can be very uncomfortable and hard to breathe. I think I have torn or damaged the cartilage. I could actually see a raise/bump in the area when it subluxed then popped back in. Do you have any suggestions?

[@DrJoshJagoda]

Please check your MD if you think its not getting better. That said, taping helps and bracing helps to relieve the pain

[@greekgod9554]

Did you recover???

[@Frizzle2003]

@@greekgod9554 Nope. I’m waiting to see if I can get an mri or an x ray