Rest and immobilization are the best cure for a rib cage fracture.

Follow your health care provider's instructions for treating the cause of rib cage pain.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if the pain is persistent, prolonged, or unexplained.

The health care provider will take a medical history and perform a physical examination.

Medical history questions may include:

• When did the pain develop?
• Is it present all the time?
• Is it getting worse?
• How would you describe the pain?
• Is it a sharp or stabbing sensation?
• Does it feel like pulling or grabbing?
• Does it ache like a bruise?
• Is it a crushing pain?
• Does it feel like pressure or heaviness? (This may be a sign of angina or heart attack)
• Exactly where is the pain?
• Is it only on one side?
• Is it the same on both sides?
• Is the pain worse when bending or twisting?
• Is it worse when coughing?
• Is it worse when breathing deeply?
• Has there been an injury to the chest?
• What other symptoms are present?

The physical examination may emphasize the lungs and chest cavity.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• Bone scan (if there is known history of cancer or it is highly suspected)
• Chest x-ray