Help for rib cramps

By andy

1 min read

Hi been having rib cramps and excruciating pain for 3 years. The other day I bent down and there it was again. I don't know why but I held my nose shut and blew out and my lungs felt they were blowing up and the pain went within seconds instead of maybe 3 minutes and I wasn't exhausted like I usually am. Don't know if this will work for everyone but it certainly works for me. Good luck to all.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi Andy and thanks for sharing your successful solution to your rib cramps. I'm pretty sure others in our community who read your post will try it too. If you haven't as yet, you may want to check us out on Facebook. You can find our page here: <a href='https://www.facebook.com/copddotnet/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.facebook.com/copddotnet/</a> All the best, Leon (site moderator)
Meaghan Coneys Moderator
Hi Andy, Thanks for sharing your story! We are so happy you found a technique which helps you with your rib cramp pain. In addition to Leon's post, I thought you would be interested in the following article which discusses rib cramps - <a href='https://copd.net/living/community-feedback-rib-cramping' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living/community-feedback-rib-cramping/</a>. Perhaps you will find something helpful or find it informative. Again, thank you for sharing your story! Please reach out whenever needed. We love hearing from you. Hope you have a lovely day. Warmly, Meaghan (COPD.net Team)
sunnyme Member
Oh my gosh, i am struggling with rib cramps which have been happening for the past month. They are unbearable but last only a few minutes. I am so encouraged by the information that has been shared and I will be trying the " blowing out" next time. Thank you
1. CommunityMember7d93c0 Member
 <inline-mention username="sunnyme" user-id="2471384"/> I am not certain that rib cramps is what I am experiencing..I know that sounds odd but..It is a ‘feeling’ on my right side ribs, that feels like something is ‘rolling’ over them..But it is so subtle I wonder if I a. Actually feeling anything..
CommunityMember7d93c0 Member
New to this page and I want to say ‘Thank You’ to whomever iniated it.. I am certain this question has been asked Previously.. What causes rib cramps? I have a feeling it has something to do with gas buildup.. Swallowing..??
1. John Bottrell, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember7d93c0" user-id="9763029"/> Welcome to the community! We’re so glad you’re here, and thank you for the kind words. Rib cramps can be common for those with COPD, and you might be onto something with gas buildup or swallowing air. It’s also not unusual for changes in breathing patterns or frequent coughing to strain the muscles around the ribs. Dehydration or electrolyte imbalances could contribute as well. If the cramps are happening often or feel severe, it’s a good idea to discuss them with your doctor. This community is a great place for support and sharing tips—like these helpful suggestions for rib cramping: <a href='https://copd.net/living/relief-rib-cramping' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living/relief-rib-cramping</a>. I hope you find it useful! John. community moderator.
South Paw Member
 I really wish I knew. There seems to be no specific trigger for me, it just sneaks up and introduces itself at random. And they are never pleasant, some are quite severe, others more of a fairly significant annoyance. The link provided points out that there is currently no explanation for them, no trigger identified, and more of the medical community, not familiar with COPD, are surprised by it.
Epson1k9k Member
Severe rib and leg cramps here. There are certain days where as i have to use the Albuterol several times a day trying to do things. . On the better days with min albuterol it is almost nothing. On the bad days, pickle juice as bizarre as it sounds
1. daniel.malito Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="Epson1k9k" user-id="8784302"/> I get the leg cramps at night, so I totally get it. You are not alone. They wake up me sometimes they are so painful and then I have to spend time in the bathroom with IcyHot and the hairdryer trying to get the muscle to release. I have heard about pickle juice before, for sure. Glad you found something that works! Keep on keepin' on, DPM