Why do I get cramps under my rib cage (ie my lungs)?

[shiiloh]

I don't know if I am quite in the right place for this question to be answered, but I think here may be a good place to start.

Now. I don't think it is anything serious but I would be intrigued to know why I get cramp under my rib cage (which looks like it is the lungs). It is very much like the stitch but in the wrong spot and I never get it after running or doing excercise.. like this morning for instance, all I was doing was walking around. I went to get my breakfast and there it was, the stitch that's in the wrong place.
The pain always occurs in the same place, in the left lung (or around because I don't know if it's to do with the lungs or muscles etc) just above my stomach.

Again. I don't think it is anything too chronic which is why I am on here not at my GP.. although if it does sound bad I think I will head off to see him.

Thanks for your help

[jonathanjonson]

Hmm,. i never thought i'd see so many ppl having same "rib cramps" problem. I first had it when i was 16 years old on the right side of my chest precisely under my "****", my mom drove me to a doctor, he said it has nothing to do with the heart, just the muscles between the ribs pulling together. So he gave me a shot which would relax my muscles, and yes it did. I felt so relax, i laid on my bed for HOURS without moving.
He advised me to take pain killers, whenever i get the cramps. I'm 25 now. I still get cramps but more than i use to back then and lately i get the pain on several spots, at the back side of my ribs, under my arms and under my "****" but it always on the right side of my chest, i just didn't know what causes it.
I don't know if i should be glad now that i know its a "common" problem. I do stretch, every time i get the cramps, it helps a little, then the pain comes back again.

I take tablets for the pain like the Doctor advised me, but now im thinking whether i really should be doing that, specially now. Cuz i noticed from few years ago, i use to take 2 tablets a day for the pain then its gone for weeks, maybe a month or 2., now i'm taking 2 tablets twice sometimes 3 times a day just to kill the pain and i feel the cramps every week almost. >.< .. Should i quit taking pain killers? guess I've been building immunity against the pain killers. The pain is bare able, but damn it hurts A LOT..

[guitarjohnny]

i to have this problem, im 48 male and i sometimes get these cramps around my ribcage and the are excruciating, they throw me to the floor, seeking a position that will make the cramp subside , how ever it aint that easy, i get it to go fer a few seconds and wham there it is throwing me around the room again, i have had these on occasion since  like my early 20's  now i do have bad lungs, beginning emphysema unfortunately, so i worry that its not like cancer, i do get leg cramps also never at the same time i think i would jump out a window if that ever happened, but that makes me think maybe its just cramps i get, but i have no answers no clue how to stop it, my doctor really does not much to help me, no pain meds he thinks i just want drugs, total BS. so i just live with pain and it sux!!! any thoughts?

[guitarjohnny]

i to have this problem, im 48 male and i sometimes get these cramps around my ribcage and the are excruciating, they throw me to the floor, seeking a position that will make the cramp subside , how ever it aint that easy, i get it to go fer a few seconds and wham there it is throwing me around the room again, i have had these on occasion since  like my early 20's  now i do have bad lungs, beginning emphysema unfortunately, so i worry that its not like cancer, i do get leg cramps also never at the same time i think i would jump out a window if that ever happened, but that makes me think maybe its just cramps i get, but i have no answers no clue how to stop it, my doctor really does not much to help me, no pain meds he thinks i just want drugs, total BS. so i just live with pain and it sux!!! any thoughts?

[doogus]

Hi I have some severe health problems as well and get these same crampings under my right rib cage as well. I had a pulmonary embolism almost a year ago and am always on the lookout for more clots. I also have degenerative disc disc, faccet arthritis, stenosis, flattening of the spine, an enlarged spleen, and neuropathy in the legs. I have been on multiple medications for nerve pain, depression, and chronic back pain. I am also 37 years old and have been told someone my age shouldnt have these health issues. I hope someone can explain this.

[snake180]

Hemochromatosis is your answer.  The in abliity to rid your body of iron.  I have had the same problem for years and now it is being treated an no more cramps in the ribs.  DO NOT TAKE supplements to correct.  It will only make it worse.  Look it up.

[RickyBS]

I am experiencing the same problem..  I read that pickle juice (the brine in the Jar) can actually help..   IT WORKS... For me at least..  I have kept a jar of pickles in the refrigerator for those nights when the pain comes on without any explanation.. the pain is gone within minutes of taking the pickle juice.. I would say about an ounce works for me..  I don't know why it works, How it works, or if it is just my mind.. but it reduces the cramp to zero.  Just putting this out there in case anyone wants to give it a try..