Dear friend It might be soft tissue or unseen hairline fracture of rib which usually takes little while to heel. But if pain persist to the same level even after taking medication than visit your orthopaedic expert again.

Back Stretching. Do the cat/cow stretch. Core Strengthening Exercises.

there may be a minor crack in the ribs. It can be quite painful. If the pain is not settling then consult an Orthopedic surgeon.

Thanks to almighty that no major injuries were there. Coming back to the pain, well my friend that is what actually protected you, i.e soft tissue injury (muscles) that would be there for 2weeks or so , subsiding on its own that's where your healing power comes . the body heals by itself over time. to reduce pain you can apply some ice/cold packs at the areas of pain for (2-3 minutes at a stretch and moving them constantly for maxing upto 10-12 minutes at a given time) that should calm the nerves which carry pain sensation to your brain and also try to ignore pain (i know that is a bit like challenging your brain, but it actually is very easy, just get involved REALLY INVOLVED in some other serious matter (like watching TV or Talking to friends/ kids/ relatives, Trading , Writing blog, playing games, Reading) whatever you like to do. As far as pain killers go they should be only on SOS basis. some stretchings will make you pain but eventually give you a wonderful feeling afterwards. try to reach up the ceiling (both the hands up) keep your body moving slowly and steadily.

To avoid pain prefer to ware a chest belt.....do respiratory exercises vth the help of spirometry

Though there was no evidence of fracture on xrays' there can be hairline fractures of rib which go unnoticed due to circular shape of rib cage.Rib fracture heals quite well with rib belt or strapping Don't worry pain should go down gradually Continue medications given to you and follow up with your ORTHO doctor

Hello Even if there is no chest fractures...there may be a chest soft tissue injury which takes a longer time to heal due to the continues respiratory movements..the pain is more while lying and sleeping on the same side...it is advisable to use a chest belt compulsary while sleeping...otherwise can be taken off...it would provide compression and aid in healing