Ribcage cramps and spasms

By Lbass54

1 min read

Hi, I have been having these for a few years and they are getting worse it seems. Closer to get having them or lasting longer. I don't have a pulmonologist to see anymore because he never heard anything I had to say , all he would do prescribe an inhaler (one only) that all his patients use and tell me if I didn't smoke this wouldn't of happened. Needless to say I don't see him anymore. The ER doctors and my primary Dr just blow me off like I'm on drugs or don't know what I'm talking about.

Still learning

I don't take any medication daily I only use an inhaler or neb treatment as I feel I need it. Never been taught anything about my COPD emphysema since I was diagnosed June 2019 when my lung collapsed. I have weird stuff happening to me and greatly appreciate this forum and blog. I have learned more from here and know now that I'm not alone with the things that are happening to me. Just typing this I have ribcage spasm coming on. So just want to say THANK YOU ALL.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi <inline-mention username="Lbass54" user-id="4680746"/>, and welcome! You have certainly come to the right place as, here at <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>, we are all about all things COPD and COPD related. I think you'll find that one is rarely, if ever, alone here in our online community. Others have expressed similar sentiments when it comes to COPD and rib cramping and rib pain. I thought you might gain some additional insight from any of these articles which focus on this very topic: https://copd.net/search?s=rib%20cramp%20pain. I do hope you find the information is helpful in a practical way. 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='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
libstock Member
Hi im new here was diagnosed with copd after a mri scan 3 years ago at age 50 . suffering with rin cage cramps on movement... my last xray 2 weeks ago is showing enlarged lungs would like to hear from anyone experiencing the same issue.. I am currently using nicotine replacement therapy.. and would love to hear any positive feedback, was a smoker for 30 years ..its been 2 weeks since I last smoked ..feeling quite anxious now about the diagnoses... has I feel its becoming more difficult and worried..
Rickie Member
I do hope you have found another pulmonary doctor who will treat you with respect and take care of you. This is so very say. Rickie
Jennette B. Member
I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. I call it rib wrapping, because that's how it feels! It feels like I'm wearing a bra that is way too small! I also hate when it hits, but I push myself to focus on my breathing when it hits. At least for me, it seems to help a little. You will find many people on here deal with it, and hopefully some more people will reach out to you.
vittoria Member
You have my total sympathy dealing with doctors who don’t care and/or hear you. I suffered with rib spasms for a couple of years. They were excruciating. About 9 months ago I switched from going into doctors offices to having a medical team assigned to my case to visit me at home. Our insurance has an Aging Population department that cares for seniors and disabled patients. It has been a Godsend. When I told the nurse practitioner assigned to me about the spasms she decided to try me on potassium supplements to see if the rib spasms stopped. And, they did! I haven’t had a spasm since. Hopefully something as simple as a supplement will work for you. Good luck.
kloker Member
Lbass54 - Welcome! Wow, where are you? I live in Austin, Tx, and the city is ripe with doctors and medical sources. I don't tolerate doctors who don't understand that they are not smarter than me, and that they work for me, it's not the other way around. I will fire one in a heartbeat and have also reported them. I've been through all these issues too. My doc did bloodwork to find I had a potassium deficiency. I am now on Klor-Con 8 MEQ once a day (do not take potassium on your own untested, plus I take Magnesium Oxide 400 mg twice a day, and still have cramps, but not as often. Part of that is that I have to take diuretics and am constantly dehydrated, as there is no way to consume enough water to overcome it. So I get severe hand and foot cramps as well as rib cramps (I also have barrel chest now) and leg and neck and throat cramps as well, it's part of life now.