Essex, at stumps on Monday's second day of four at Chelmsford, were 231 for nine in reply to England's first innings 413 for nine declared, a deficit of 182 runs.
Swann was hit on his right forearm by Essex paceman Tymal Mills in the course of making 94 on Monday morning.
England's leading spinner continued his innings but did not take the field when Essex batted and was instead sent to hospital for an X-ray.
In his absence Joe Root, earmarked to open in next week's first Ashes Test alongside England captain Alastair Cook, took a career-best four for 57 with his off-spinners.
The England and Wales Cricket Board subsequently said Swann had not suffered a major injury.
"(The) X-ray showed no fracture," a spokesman explained. "He is continuing to receive treatment for bruising and will return to the field later in the game."
News that Swann has not suffered a severe setback will come as a huge relief to England chiefs after the 34-year-old missed the tour of New Zealand earlier this year to have surgery on his right elbow.
Not only has Swann established himself as England's first choice spinner but, as an off-break bowler, is expected to play a key role in the defence of the Ashes against an Australia side set to feature several left-handers.
England had been in trouble at 212 for seven, with all of their top order getting to double figures without pressing on, but their innings was boosted by a stand of 187 between Tim Bresnan (105 not out) and Swann in an innings where novice Essex leg-spinner Tom Craddock took a career-best five for 69.
Bresnan, primarily a seamer, started the day on 55 not out but pressed on to his first hundred since 2007 when he made 126 not out for the second-string England Lions against India at Chelmsford.
Swann, within sight of a hundred, was caught at mid-on by Ravi Bopara off Craddock and next ball the bowler had his fifth wicket when Steven Finn was lbw after missing a leg-break.
Bresnan reached his century, off 182 balls and including 12 fours, when he struck occasional spinner Tom Westley for six over wide long-on.
England declared and then saw fast bowler Finn strike early when he had Westley caught behind before New Zealand's Hamish Rutherford was caught by Kevin Pietersen, who'd dropped him earlier, at mid-off off the bowling of Bresnan.
Root had a wicket in his first over when former England batsman Owais Shah mistimed a cut and lobbed a simple catch to wicketkeeper Matt Prior.
Opener Jaik Mickleburgh was in sight of a hundred when he was given out caught at bat-pad off Root for 90, who later held a return catch to dismiss Ben Foakes before inducing Sajid Mahmood to hole out off his bowling.
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