Broken Rib or Just Sore? How to Tell and What to Do: By Shreoshree Chakrabarty The ribs protect vital organs like the heart and lungs, but a strong impact to the chest can cause a broken rib or rib ...

A cracked rib is a type of rib fracture and often heals on its own in about six weeks. Pain when you breathe deeply is the main symptom of a cracked rib. See a doctor if you have a cracked rib and ...