re rib sprain???

[bifflogan]

Hey guys... weird problem. Three days ago my girlfriend was horsing around and bear hugged me from the side. I was not expecting it, and was in the middle of a conversation when she hugged me. I was in an awkward position, and her thumbs were right on the left lower side of my back. I felt a pop(similar to when you crack the bones in your hand), and was a bit winded.

I suspect i sustained an inury to the back of my rib, although i dont think anything is broken. There is no bruising and the pain is relatively dull. Luckilly, it only really bothers me if i move too quickly to one side or if i try to run, other than that i dont feel a thing. The pain also seems to be lessening.

Im just wondering what you guys think could have happened. I am thinking it is a sprain or maybe cartilage. But you guys seem to have more experiemce than i have. I havent been able to get back on to my remgimen of heavy bag training, it is still slightly uncomfortable for me to do punching exercises.

I am starting to feel lethargic and would like to get back in to my routine.

please no laughing... my girl is little but apparently quite tough... i think ive found a sparring partner, although she may be able to kick my arse. Thanks for your help

Cheers

[injuryupdate]

It sounds like almost certainly you have popped a rib cartilage (no. 10 or 11 around the side). The rib bones join up with the cartilage along way around the side for the lower ones. A popped rib cartilage can sometimes kill but generally nos 9, 10, 11 don't seem to hurt as much as the higher ones (not sure why).

No danger involved here, only pain, which may last a few weeks. You might struggle if you try to swing a golf club or something similar.