What are some tips when you feel pain in your ribs and chest
I have a lot of pain in my ribs and chest. Can't seem to find any relief
Hi, I can hear how uncomfortable this is for you. While I do hope our community chimes in with her personal experiences, I am sending over this article with tips. I really hope this can help you. Jill, COPD.net, team member
https://copd.net/living/relief-rib-cramping
Hi
, and welcome! I see you are a new member here, having joined last night in the evening. We are glad to see you are already engaging with the community through this, and your other several posts. I see my colleague, , has already responded to your concern. I do hope you have an opportunity to review the material for which she provided a link. There is good information there.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)I don't have COPD but after a lot of tests etc the doctor says the bottom of my lung has turned over due to past surgery. My partner and I moved last year and I did a lot of lifting, I got chest pain and was rushed into hospital and I had costachondritis which basically means strained chest cartilage and muscles, little heard of but painful. Since I stopped smoking my breathing is so much better but now and the I get chest and rib pain as I have a weakness there so I sympathize and understand. The best thing is rest, do what you can when you can. I also meditate or lose myself in a book. My partner has health problems so we focus on what we can do not what we can't. Bending from standing or twisting makes it worse.
I got sent to hospital by my doctor. After lots of tests I was diagnosed with costochondritis too. I have a heated vest/ jacket that really helps. If it’s just one side I use a hot water bottle. The heat does make my mucus come up more easily too. 
Did you buy the vest on your own or was that something your doctor suggested? I love the idea of using heat, that sounds like it would be so soothing. I think it's interesting that the heat loosens your mucus even when used externally. I know that warm air and drinking warm liquids can help, but I've never thought of outside warmth being useful. Great tips all around, thanks for sharing! -Melissa, copd.net team
What I do personally for myself to get relief and the following. Sit straight up, giving my lungs that best possible air draw available, relax my shoulders and let the coughing commence. Heat and/or ice sore areas, check to see if you are able to use OTC pain and anti=inflammatories. Some else once suggested is to hug a pillow to your chest as if you are holding your muscles back in place. When it's been a rough day(s), i tend to go with a damp heat, seems to get deeper down in on those muscles for me. Watch my posture for sure, get that back up where it belongs does help too.
Best to you and quick relief soon
