cramping around the ribs

By sharon philipp

1 min read

Last updated: June 2022

I was just reading this and am so surprised that other people have this also.

Rib Pain

I get this pain on both sides of my ribs, and it really hurts bad, I can barely move. If I am in the car if I twist around to look in the back seat it hits me and it kills me from the pain. I have to stand up to make it better. I have had sonograms and they don't see anything. They told me it is just muscles, but they never said it was from COPD.

Before I had COPD

I used to get it before I was diagnosed with COPD, but I was probably getting COPD then, cause i did have a problem walking up a hill, and had a hard time breathing. I am not overweight, I just smoked which I know was stupid now. I was in Real Estate and it is very stressful, people don't know that but it is. You get yelled at if the house doesn't close on time, usually because of the lender not doing their job. I am so glad I found this website and saw other people had the same problems. Thank YOU.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
Hi Sharon, and thanks for your comment. We are glad that you have found us as well and would like to welcome you to our online community. Take some time, look around and get used to the community website. If there is anything we can assist you with, please let me or any other moderator / team member know. I will look forward to future conversations as you see fit. Warm regards, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
1. Shelbycici Member
 <inline-mention username="Leon Lebowitz, BA, RRT" user-id="2445532"/> 
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Shelbycici" user-id="4553412"/> Hi again, Shelbycici - was there something you were going to say or add here? It looks like you may have tried to continue the conversation but, perhaps you were cut off. If not, I do appreciate the acknowledgement. Regards, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
Shelbycici Member
I have pain or cramps in my ribs too. It feels like a Charlie horse in my ribs. It happens when l twist or turn the wrong way. Thanks for sharing.
1. Charklink57 Member
 <inline-mention username="Shelbycici" user-id="4553412"/> this place is great. I also have rib cramps and hard to breathe. Sometimes it catches me off guard. So when I feel it lightly, I take it easy and crochet. Rest.
2. CommunityMember3161 Member
 <inline-mention username="Shelbycici" user-id="4553412"/> I found that pickle juice helps subside them fairly quick
Shelbycici Member
 @Just learning how to figure this out. 
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Shelbycici" user-id="4553412"/> You're doing fine, Shelbycici - sometimes it takes a little bit of time to get acclimated to the community website using one's phone. Keep at it, I'm sure you will get there! Regards, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
Shelbycici Member
Anyway if l'm doing this right, Hi everyone. I'll get the hang of this. If l haven't answered to anyone l apologize. Still learning how to use my phone for this.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Shelbycici" user-id="4553412"/> I am seeing all your posts, here now Shelbycici - if there is anything we can do to assist you, please let me or any other moderator / team member know. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
2. Melissa.Arnold Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="Shelbycici" user-id="4553412"/> Hi Shelby! Welcome aboard! If you have a computer or laptop, you may find it easier to read and post if you use that instead. At the very least, you can see more of the site at once. 😀 Let us know if you need help with anything at all. -Melissa, <a href='http://copd.net' target='_blank'>copd.net</a> team
Shelbycici Member
Just figuring out how to comment and what not. Lol
CommunityMember2601 Member
I have learned Sharon it is a very common condition with COPD; I experience it as well. The most ridiculous part is that I had to discover the commonality of the diaphragm cramps and it's cause related to COPD through my own education. When I broached the condition with several doctors (some who claim to be COPD knowledgeable) advised me to drink more water. SMH
1. SamanthaSarube Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember2601" user-id="4813838"/>, how frustrating! I'm glad you were able to do your own education though and figure this out. It is annoying but sometimes necessary to do some of the work ourselves because we are our own best advocates! All the best, Sam S. (<a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>, team member).
deeweezie Member
A while back my daughter recommended Myofascial massage. Wow what a differance it has made with my Copd. The Rib cramping it so much better with this type of Myofascial release massage. Since we have such a constriction in our movement and coughing it keeps us tight and also creates pain for us. I have been going once a week for a while and there is such a differance in my pain, cramping and range of motion. I hope this helps someone. 
1. SamanthaSarube Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="deeweezie" user-id="2418696"/> thanks for sharing what has worked for you! I haven't heard of this type of massage before but i'm glad to hear it was so helpful to you. All the best, Sam S. (<a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>, team member).
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 Hi <inline-mention username="SamanthaSarube" user-id="4200412"/> and <inline-mention username="deeweezie" user-id="2418696"/>, and thanks for your posts and comments about myofascial massage. I hadn't heard of this type of massage either. I was able to do a brief search and found something interesting from the Mayo Clinic on this very topic. I thought it might be of interest to our members who may be curious about the technique/treatment: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/myofascial-pain-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20375444. I do hope this sheds some light on this. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
warlord45 Member
when i went to the ER the Doc told me it was caused by pleurisy. caused by inflammation in the pleural cavity. 
1. warlord45 Member
 <inline-mention username="Leon Lebowitz, BA, RRT" user-id="2445532"/> yes at the ED. As far as anything else my FEV-1 is 37 Last test a year ago. My Oxygen Low 90's Good ED doctors are hard to fine but the last one I seen said I cannot have COPD because my Oxygen was to good. Chest pain and shortness of breath Takes me to the ED about 3-4 times a year and getting a good doctor is a shot in the dark.
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="warlord45" user-id="2480363"/> I hear you, warlord - thanks for your reply and further explanation. Although emergency department (ED) physicians sometimes offer a diagnosis during one's ED visit, the ED discharge papers usually advise patients to follow up with their own private medical doctor (PMD). You may be interested to know that, for some types of COPD, a relatively good oxygen level may be normal. Do you have any plans to follow up with your own physician? You might benefit from a definitive diagnosis with an accompanying treatment plan and medication regimen. What do you think? Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)