Rib strain is a common injury that can occur due to various reasons such as sports injuries, car accidents, or falls. It can be excruciating and affect your daily activities. However, many people wonder why rib pain tends to hurt more at night. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and provide some useful tips on how to manage rib strain.
Breathing patterns
During the day, we tend to stay active and move around more often, making it easier for our lungs to expand and contract. However, at night when we lie down in bed, our breathing patterns change, making it harder for our lungs to work efficiently. This can lead to increased pressure on the ribs, causing more pain than during the day.
Sleeping position
The way you sleep can also contribute to increased rib pain at night. If you tend to sleep on your side or stomach, your body weight may put extra pressure on your injured rib area. As a result, you may experience more discomfort during nighttime hours.
Muscles stiffen up
When we sleep for several hours in one position without moving around much, our muscles tend to stiffen up and become less flexible. This can cause additional tension around the rib area and exacerbate any existing pain or discomfort, causing pain when resting with a rib strain.
Lack of distractions
During the day when we are busy with work or other activities, we may not notice or feel as much pain in our ribs as we do at night because of a lack of distractions. When we are trying to fall asleep and have nothing else going on around us, any discomfort becomes more noticeable.
Seeking professional help
If you’re experiencing severe rib pain that’s affecting your quality of life or ability to sleep comfortably at night, it’s essential to seek professional help from a Waterloo or Kitchener physiotherapist or chiropractor at CARESPACE. They can provide you with a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs, including pain management techniques, stretches, and exercises to help strengthen the affected area.
Rib strain is a painful condition that can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. However, by understanding why rib pain tends to hurt more at night and taking steps to manage it, you can minimize discomfort and start healing faster. If you’re struggling with rib pain, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a qualified healthcare provider who can guide you towards recovery.
