Why are ribs so important

 Wh

y are ribs so important? Without them, we wouldn't be able to breath or walk properly!

If you’ve ever watched the movie Little Giants, you may remember the scene where one of the players gets hit on the ribs and has trouble catching his breath. It may seem like it’s no big deal, but those ribs actually help us breathe! The rib cage protects your heart, lungs and other important organs, without which we wouldn’t be able to live, so don’t forget to give those ribs some extra attention during workouts! If you have to choose between bench pressing or doing some extra side planks, choose the latter – they might just save your life one day!

The anatomy of the ribcage

The ribcage is a series of bones that protect the lungs and heart. The ribcage also connects the spine with the sternum and allows us to breathe. Ribs also provide structural support for our bodies and allow us to bend and move.

The functions of the ribs

The ribcage is one of the most vital structures in our body. It's a protective case around your heart and lungs and helps you breathe. We also use it when we're walking: each time your foot hits the ground, it pushes up on your ribcage and you take a step.

How the ribs protect our vital organs

Ribs are an integral part of our anatomy because they protect the vital organs in our chest. The ribcage is made up of 12 pairs of ribs that surround the lungs and heart. They attach to the sternum at one end and connect with vertebrae at the other. The first seven pairs of ribs on both sides extend from the spine and converge into a single point on either side where they attach to the breastbone.

Common injuries to the ribs

Rib injuries can be really painful and take a long time to heal. That's because the rib cage is a pretty important part of your body. Your ribs protect your lungs and heart from injury. The bones in your rib cage also help you breathe, cough and laugh. The muscles that surround your chest push up on the bottom of the ribcage when you inhale, which forces air into your lungs.

How to heal a bruised or broken rib

No matter how you injure a rib, the end goal is to alleviate the pain and allow it to heal. With that in mind here are some steps: 

- Gently apply ice wrapped in a towel for 15-20 minutes every hour. - Take ibuprofen or naproxen sodium (Aleve) every six hours. - Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed for pain relief.