###Human: How can I manage pain in ribs with breathing difficulty after a fall? ###Assistant: Hi. I have thoroughly gone through your case and can well understand your genuine health concern. Severe pain on the ribs and breathing difficulty after a fall indicates some injury to the ribs. Even a minor fracture of the ribs can cause severe pain and breathing difficulty. Sometimes, severe muscular spasm following a fall can also cause such symptoms. So you need a proper physical examination. As you mentioned that you fell on the left side and having severe pain and breathing difficulty also, I suggest you get an X-ray done and consult an orthopedician. It is true that X-ray will not help much but you can get it done to make sure that there is no rib fracture. For minor rib fracture, only conservative management should be done. You need to take rest, avoid excessive spine movements, avoid sleeping on left side, avoid lifting heavy weights. In my opinion, you should take rest and avoid working for a few days. I would suggest you take some oral anti-inflammatory drug in combination with muscle relaxant drug twice daily for about five days. You can also apply some analgesic cream or ointment twice daily. Also, hot water bag over the painful area for 20 minutes thrice daily for pain relief. Rib fracture or muscular spasm. X-ray thoracic spine- AP and lateral.