Cramping in rib cage

By bdoggett

1 min read

I was surprised to see the article on people with COPD experiencing cramps in the rib cage. I've been having these cramps in my upper rib cage for over a year now and my primary care couldn't explain why. My Ob-gyn even did an ultrasound of the area and found nothing unusual. I never associated it with COPD, so I never mentioned it to my pulmonologist. I will discuss this at my appointment later this month.
It's good to know that these cramps are probably associated with my COPD. I sure hope that soon there will be a treatment for it because they are very painful and debilitating.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi Bigdoggett and thanks for telling us about your own experiences with rib cramping. As you can tell, you're never alone here on <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a> If you saw the article on our website - that's a good thing. Since this is of such interest to you (as it is for many of our community members with COPD), I thought you might want to access our Facebook page to see even more of the comments posted by our members. It is an active topic there and you can find it at this link: <a href='https://www.facebook.com/copddotnet/posts/1717697355154949?comment_id=1719654168292601&ref=notif&notif_t=like&notif_id=1481652132277775' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.facebook.com/copddotnet/posts/1717697355154949?comment_id=1719654168292601&ref=notif&notif_t=like&notif_id=1481652132277775</a> Please let us know if you find it helpful. You are always welcome here. All the best, Leon (site moderator)
1. bdoggett Member
 Thank you. I am finding the different topics and articles helpful.
Erin Rush Community Admin
HI Bdoggett! I wanted to echo what Leon said that you are not alone in dealing with this issue! Many of our members complain about rib cramping and it seems to be an issue that doctors don't always recognize. I hope your pulmonologist has some helpful suggestions for you. Thanks so much for taking the time to share with the community. We are glad to have you here! Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We are happy to help in any way we can. Best, Erin, <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a> Team Member.
bdoggett Member
I wrote in earlier about cramping in my rib cage. My doctor had suggested taking magnesium daily to see if it helped with leg cramps. I have not had any rib cage cramps since I started taking the magnesium so I did a little research and there may very well be a link between taking magnesium, and possibly Vitamin D, and the lessening of the rib cramps. Seems to be working for me so far.
1. CommunityMembere10e97 Member
 <inline-mention username="bdoggett" user-id="2406454"/> what kind and how much 
2. Allyson.Ellis Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMembere10e97" user-id="8562499"/> while I obviously cannot answer on behalf of <inline-mention username="bdoggett" user-id="2406454"/>, I did want to remind you that it is important to check in with your own doctor before adding anything (including supplements!) to your treatment plan. All bodies and treatment plans are unique! While magnesium was indicated and is proving helpful for the author, it may or may not be a good choice for you. Sometimes supplements can be contraindicated with certain prescriptions. Talking with your own doctor and gaining their insight for your unique body and what is appropriate to add to your treatment plan is important. Please keep us posted on what you learn and how you are managing. Know we are here to listen when you need support. Wishing you a gentle day. ~Allyson (COPD.net team)