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Sternum/Rib Injury

I was in a bike accident and (I think I) bruised my sternum. The pain was very intense at first and hurt to breathe deeply, rotate my torso and lay down. It has been a week and a half and the pain is a lot less severe but it still hurts a lot when I cough, sneeze, lift anything heavy or lay down in some positions. I realize it might take several weeks to heal completely but I want to know if it is still safe to go cycling with moderate/heavy breathing. I don't want to do anything that will worsen it.
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Avatar universal
That's heat to bring blood to the area!
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Avatar universal
"I THINK" I think you should have seen a doctor! You could have a  sternum fracture!!
Taking an anti-inflammatory can help reduce swelling in the chest that may be putting pressure on the sternum. Icing the chest can also help a few times per day for about 10 minutes. Don't put the ice directly on your skin use a towel.
You could also apply heat to bring to the area that will allow the tissue to relax. I wouldn't be cycling until your symptoms are better!!
See a doctor!!!
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Arlington, VA
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