Pain under the ribs when bending over can be caused by several factors, with one common reason being an injured rib, even if it's just a bruise.
Rib Injuries and Pain
A bruised rib, while not a fracture, can still involve damage to the bone and surrounding tissues. According to available data, the symptoms of bruised and broken ribs are similar and often include pain, particularly when breathing or coughing. The twisting and bending motions also make the pain unbearable.
Symptoms of Rib Injuries
- Pain while breathing: Expanding the chest can aggravate the injury.
- Pain while coughing: Similar to breathing, coughing puts pressure on the ribs.
- Pain while twisting: Twisting the torso can strain the injured area.
- Pain while bending: Bending compresses the ribs and surrounding muscles.
Bruised vs. Broken Ribs
| Feature | Bruised Rib | Broken Rib |
|---|---|---|
| Bone | Damaged but not fractured | Fractured |
| Pain Level | Moderate to severe | Severe |
| Symptoms | Similar: pain with breathing, coughing, bending | Similar: pain with breathing, coughing, bending |
