In China, a woman ended up with five broken ribs after her husband hugged her. The incident was captured on CCTV and shared on Chinese social media in early October 2026. The footage showed the couple in a cafeteria. When the husband wrapped his arms around her and lifted her off the ground, she immediately bent over in pain.
Mr. Wang, the husband, explained what happened during the embrace during an interview with China’s Hubei Jingshi Live on October 19. He mentioned that his wife felt cold, which prompted him to hug her. Just before she showed signs of pain, he heard a cracking noise. The video shows him looking worried as she crouched on the floor, grasping her side. Wang did not think it was severe initially, but his wife experienced pain throughout the night and went to the hospital the following morning.
A CT scan revealed that she had five fractured ribs and one rib with a hairline crack. Doctors advised against surgery but recommended medication, medicated patches, and plenty of rest. She was discharged and told to return every five days for follow-ups.
According to Yan Yanxiang, an orthopedic deputy chief at Wuhan Yaxin General Hospital, there was no damage to her lungs or other serious complications. He noted that fractures from a hug are uncommon and suggested that osteoporosis might have contributed to her injuries. Doctors pointed to a deficiency in calcium and vitamin D as possible factors in her condition.
The National Institutes of Health describes osteoporosis as a disease that decreases bone mass and density, increasing the risk of fractures. This condition often goes unnoticed until a fracture occurs. It is particularly common in postmenopausal women, with about 200 million women affected globally. One in three women over 50 is likely to experience a fracture due to it.
Mr. Wang revealed that his wife, who weighs between 45-50 kg, often skips dinner and avoids going out in the sun. She typically drives just a few minutes to their family shop, limiting her sun exposure. While her medical report did not directly link these habits to osteoporosis, Dr. Yan indicated they might have contributed to a calcium and vitamin D deficiency.
Additionally, Mrs. Wang’s daily coffee consumption could have played a role in her bone health. Dr. Yan noted that studies have shown drinking more than five cups of coffee can be associated with lower bone density. However, some research presents conflicting findings.
What are your thoughts on how lifestyle choices can affect bone health?
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Source: Bored Panda, by Gabija Saveiskyte