My roomy fell in the snow and hit his back on a step. He was sore for a few days, but doing normal. Had a 6" bruise along the fall point also. Then after a few days, he bent over to pick up something, and went into total frozen pain. He couldnt talk or move, the pain was so bad. We had to call 911 and they took him to a hospital. Xrays showed a fracture, but why it got so bad suddenly??? He is on pain med and in awful pain still after 24 hours. Even trying to talk sets off the pain attacks where the rib is. Any others know how to approach this in helping him heal? I would think soaks in the tub, hot water, would help? Others say ice packs..? Any idea how long this really bad pain lasts in these type injuries? Any advice is welcome.