Pain in the Rib Cage

By egarner

1 min read

I wanted to post something about these muscle spasms. I also had these for quite some time and they were quite painful. They also inhibited my movements because I didn't want to set the pain off.

I was seeing a physical therapist for a hip pain and he asked if I had pain any where else. I told him about the pain in my rib cage. He did what he called "rib mobilization" and the pain went away. It was incredible. I cannot recommend this more highly.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The COPD.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi Egarner and thanks for sharing the technique that works for you, namely; physical therapy's approach to 'rib mobilization'. For our community members who are unfamiliar with this type of (physical) therapy, rib mobilization is a technique that basically encourages proper movement and reduction of pain. That is the most basic explanation. If this sounds like something that might be helpful to any of our members, I would urge you to investigate further and to discuss this with your physician to determine if this is something you can tolerate. All the best, Leon (site moderator)
rhonda1 Member
Does anyone else have these muscle spasms. I have them all over. What can I do to help with the spasms. Thanks Rhonda
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi Rhonda and thanks for posting your question. In fact, many of our community members have a lot to say about muscle cramping and COPD. You may want to read all their comments over on our Facebook page. You can link to it here: https://www.facebook.com/copddotnet/notifications/?section=activity_feed&subsection=share&ref=notif&target_story=S%3A_I1079885074%3A10207849402087869&content_id=1717697355154949 You'll be able to interact with everyone quite easily over there as well. All the best, Leon (site moderator
Christina Mattoni-Brashear Moderator
Hi egamer, Thanks for reaching out and sharing a bit of your story, and for being part of our community here! It helps so much for everyone here to remember that they are not alone—we appreciate you sharing the treatments and techniques that have worked for you. Please stop back and let us know how you're doing as you are able! Take care, -Christina (COPD.net Team)
lynnslove Member
Has anyone dealt with sharp stabbing radiating pain in the chest?
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi Lynnslove and thanks for your post. While you may hear back from others, I did want to make a comment. Besides the rib cramping and other pains that can be associated with COPD, there are several medical conditions that can result in the symptoms you've described (sharp, stabbing, radiating pain in the chest). Some can be serious and even indicative of larger medical issues. If you are or have experienced these symptoms and, if the symptoms persist or are even worsening, I would strongly suggest you reach out to your physician - sooner rather than later. Naturally, it's up to you because you are the one who is actually feeling this pain. What do you think? Please do check back and let us know how you're doing. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)

Community Poll

Are you able to tell when you’re having a COPD exacerbation?