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

[Anthony450R]

I was looking online for an anwer to the same question you have.  It is always after I eat.

[CAJUNLIZZ]

My  Pulmonary  Dr.  told  me  ,  rib  cage  cramps  up  when  lungs  try  to  expand  from  breathing  or  coughing  .  Lungs  lodge  against  the  rib  cage  and  dyaphram  and  it  feels  like  lungs  are  UNDER  the  rib cage  .   Feels  like a Charlie  Horse  .   Spasms  hurt  bad  .   I   get  them  all  the  time  ,  even  rolling  over  makes that  happen  .

[dkekic56]

I have this same problem and am really having a hard time getting anyone to listen.  I get these cramps in my ribcage either side and every once in awhile both sides at the same time.  They are extremely painful.  I get them from laughing, reaching for things and sometimes for no reason at all.  Also by ribs are extremely tender to the touch, so tender that I can no longer wear a bra.  I have MS but the doctor says this is not MS related.  I have been told it is diabetes related but that is very much under control but the pains have not subsided.  My doctor has put me on muscle relaxers but they don't help either.  If anyone can tell us what this is I am sure we who suffer from this will be very appreciative.  

[ChiefTamaG62]

Try taking a mineral supplement that you add to your water called: Concen Trace Trace Mineral Drops ... The Cramps come from lacking minerals in the body. Also, Take a Magnesium supplement to add to it. Increase your water intake too. Hopefully this helps cause, I have had those same painful cramping episodes occassionally.

[ktt14]

I had the same problem as a lot of people here...severe rib cage side cramps on both sides..come on for no reason, couldn't breath right while they were happening, after a burp they seem to subside, move all around, nothing helped...even my doctor avoided my questions(blew it off) and these were happening for a lot of years too!! Well, I decided to loose some weight and started a smoothie program which included "Athletic Greens" (1 Tablespoon in smoothie every morning), and the cramps have gone away......So if you google it you'll see this product has a lot of MINERALS (plus other good stuff) as ChiefTamaG62 as mentioned as a way to help get rid of those cramps...NO, this not an ad, I'm just sharing what has helped me with those awful debilitating side cramps and reaffirming about the lacking MINERALS aspect.

[JOEY1943]

I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR YEARS ,I HAVE A PARAYLIZED DIAPHRAM AND I AM HOPING THIS IS ONE OF THE CAUSES ,THE PULMONOLOGIST AND SURGEON THOUGHT IT WAS . I LIKE YOU HAVE THE PAIN ON BOTH SIDES OF MY RIB CAGE SOMETIMES AFTER EATING SOMETIMES IT JUST COMES I THOUGHT IT WAS FLATULANCE BUT AFTER MOVING EVERY WHICH WAY I COULD WITH NO RESULTS I REALIZED IT WASN'T THAT .I AM HAVING SURGERY ON MONDAY 5/12 AFTER AWHILE I WILL ADVISE YOU IF THIS CURES THE PROBLEM

[polcro13]

I have sudden cramp on the right side of my rib cage, and i can see it ripple!!!It is so painfull at the same time i feel the need to burp and when i do so i can feel some relief.I have B12 injections every 3 months and take a daily 15mg of LANSOPRAZOLE for my stomach.I am always tired and nervous and have been for years ...Has anybody got a clue why i always feel so ****!!!

[bernie40]

I get a really sharp pain in my left rib during the night, never in my right rib, it is so painful it wakes me up and I can't sit or stand upright for a good few minutes I have to stretch myself out slowly.  Its not my mattress because I've changed that and it made no difference.  Its probably around the third rib up from the bottom.  I have asthma and my breathing is always worse at night, I have persistent chest infections also but my gp won't send me for a chest x-ray, it must be over 5 years ago since I last had an x-ray.

It would be interesting to know what causes this and if there is anyway of relieving it.  I'm so glad this subject was mentioned because I was beginning to think I was just plain weird, lol!

[shiiloh]

I was thinking... It might be a minor hernia.
It could be quite possible in my family, my nana got one, my aunty, her child and her grandchild got one, so... it's quite possible for me.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hernia

If you need more information.

Thanks for all your comments by the way. If I find out more, I'll type it here.

[canada1978]

I get the pain in my left side. I have been to the doctor several times, and the ER  several times. They have ruled out heart attack.

I have good cholesterol levels, good blood pressure, EKG comes back perfect, blood work comes back normal.

The pain is sharp and is there with every deep breath. I have to take light breaths for a few minutes until the pain subsides.

I had been treated for anxiety, but I still got the pains. I know what heartburn is and it isn't that.

Lately I believe I get the pains after eating EGGS. Am I just imagining that? It seems after my pain goes away, I need to have a bowel movement.

Quite strange and no one can give me a diagnosis.

[snickers2001]

I HAVE HAD THE CRAMPING IN BOTH SIDES OF RIBS AND IN MY BACK TOO IN THE RIB AREA, I ALWAYS GET CRAMPS WHEN I LAY ON MY BACK OR STOMACH, OR SOMETIMES JUST SITTING IT WILL COME ON  ,, VERY PAINFUL, IVE TOLD THE DR.S  BUT NO ANSWER.  IV'E TAKEN QUINNINE FOR 30 YRS FOR CRAMPING

[becca6642]

I have the same EXACT problems, which have led me to this website... This initially occurred about 4 years ago, very mild and only under my right side rib cage it only occurred when I was doing crunches. It has progressed to what you have described. Now I can actually see a knot under the right ribe cage area when the spasm occurs. I you find anything out, let me know...

[momnicole]

Well I havent been to a doctor yet but my cramps come in my lower rib cage and back on the left side only. This has been been aconsistant dull pain for about two weeks now . I am a fairly heathy woman of 29 yrs old. Being a bit  overweight is my biggest problem.Im just tring to see if anyone finds using natural remidies helpful.Or anything else for that matter.                    Thanks....

[Natwood]

I had gall bladder surgery about 2 years ago and ever since I have severe cramping between my ribs and in my chest area.  It hurts to wear a bra all the time.  10 months prior to my surgery I fell going down a set of stairs, when I fell I reached for the banister and was closer than I thought and banged my ribs.  My Dr. is sending me for PT, but I don't think it is going to help.  If anyone could help it would be wonderful.  I was 37 when I fell and now since that I feel like I am 90!
Thank you all.

[SocoAL87]

This type of sharp temporary cramping pain under the left ribcage is extremely common. It's actually nothing to do with your heart at all. Basically it's a real grey area but many doctor's believe that it's to do with a trapped nerve. There is a proper medical name for this but I can't find the article that I originally read about it.

Basically it's completely common, harmless, and should not be taken as a symptom of something bad.

[TerryInCalgary]

I too have the same cramping proble.
I just spent half hour on my back stretched out. Sometimes hanging from my arms on a bannister helps.
One side goes then the other. I'd like to believe there are common reasons but:
I am healthy, completely.
I have not diabetes or fibremielga.
Lots of water & good food.
I am active, might be stress related though.
There MUST be a good reason for such a reaction.
My sister gets them too.
Thanks

[ganjahines]

My Son is 14 nearly 15 and is a keen footballer.  He complains on and off about a stitch type pain in his chest usuall after and then for a few weeks after a match.  I took him to see the GP and he said his heart is fine and chest is clear.  The difference however is that he also describes the pain as if fluid is stuck and when he jumps up and down he can hear it 'sloshing'!!! ???
We don't hear anything for a while and then it comes back.  Today he said the same symptoms are there but this time towards the back of the chest.  He said I just want someone to thump it.  His dad did have a go at massaging and thumping a little and he said it helped but has moved further down..

My son is worried that something serious is going on! Obviously as his mother I too am slightly on edge, but doctor has ruled out heart!

If anyone knows where I should go to check this further? I had thought to take him to the Physio and mention to her?

Is this normal in Young People who do a lot of physical Sport??

Hope to hear from someone.....

[gunnut]

I have the same problem. Mine mainly happens when I am in my truck and try to reach back behind the seat to get something. I started taking Potassium supplements in the morning when I get up. It has helped a lot. I do still get the cramps, but not near as often. The Potassium I take can be found at any grocery store. In the vitamin section. Yall may try that and see if it helps you to.

[ixamxthexwalruss]

Hey ganjahines, I'm 14...almost 15. I'm a girl, I play soccer, I'm probably less active than your son but the same happens to me, I have no idea why...but it does. I don't have an answer, but I just wanted to let you know that there's another young person out there that has this.

[LeighAlexsandra]

I get this pain offten.. and a few times have got all silly thinking it was my heart or something because i smoke, am asthmatic and i have realy anxity problems but my partner told me it was probabley a cramp or something... anyway it happens always on the left side.... mesometimes it hurts wearing a bra but its strange too explain a few of you said like a stich type pain and yeah thats a good word too explain it, Sometimes it starts just like that, i can be on the sofa watching telly, playing with my son or even in the car :S.. Anyway i havn't gone too the docters about it... But i have been worried until i saw there are many other people too that seem too have the same problem

[Jade59]

I too, have had a strange cramping happen on the left side of my chest since I was very young.  It felt like a cramp in my heart and I would have to take a deep breath real quick which would cause the pain to get much worse, but then would feel like something "popped" and the pain went away completely.  Then I took a serious fall on my chest 6yrs ago and now have this cramping throughout my chest daily.  My chest has felt very tight lately due to a bout with bronchitis.  I believe what we're all feeling is called Costochondritis.  Here is a copy and paste of just one site.  Just google for more info.

Costochondritis

Costochondritis is an inflammation of a rib or the cartilage connecting a rib. This is a common cause of chest-wall pain. Inflammation or injury involving the chest muscles is another common cause of chest-wall pain.

Symptoms of Costochondritis

The problem is marked by chest tightness and sharp pain that worsens when you move or breathe deeply. The pain may spread to the arm and may occur in more than one place.

In the beginning the pain is usually worse and it hurts to breathe, wear a bra or move suddenly. Eventually the pain subsides to a dull, constant ache or tenderness in the ribs. The cause of this condition is usually unknown but it can be the result of trauma to the rib cage, a viral infection or part of an inflammatory disease. The symptoms usually disappear spontaneously within eight weeks but sometimes it takes up to a year and in some individuals it remains a chronic condition. When it is a chronic condition the pain seems to wax and wane and any sudden movement or lifting of heavy objects could make the condition worse.

Some sufferers start thinking that there is something wrong with their lungs when they start finding difficulty in breathing. However there is no reason for alarm. This happens because due to the swelling around the ribs, the lungs cannot expand fully.

Stress contributes to the pain because it makes the muscles tense. Other things which hurt are lifting, pushing, pulling, sneezing, coughing, long hours of driving or using the computer, repetitive motions and caffeine. Cold, rainy and humid weather also make a lot of sufferers feel worse. Ideally these situations should be avoided but where it is not possible it is important that they be carried out with care.

[ganjahines]

This is ganjahines and unfortunately my sons symptoms were serious. Took him to GP who was concearned about his left lung, sent him for xray. I was called in and informed his lung had collapsed! The sloshing noise was infact his deflated lung! He was Blue Lighted to a hospital in another city and in Intensive Care for 4 days. Fortunately they sorted him out and he is now back doing his sport and free from his discomfort!

[moomanoo]

I get the same symptoms that alot of you are describing.
I do get a tight chest pain at times, that my doctor says id from anxiety.
However, I have once before, and am just starting to again, suffer from Gastric Reflux.
It is the worst at night, and especially whilst lying down if I haven't waited 3 hours after eating a meal. And I've only recently discovered, eating garlic is one of the worst things.
I have almost taken myself to emergency at hospital in the past, honestly believing I was having a heart attack, or just about to.
Every night, I have bad pain in my chest, but almost all is on my left side, sometimes below my breast, mostly above. it goes around to my back, and down my left arm. I also sometimes have regurgitation, especially while lying down. Scary, however, I have had ECG's done, nothing wrong with my heart, all from REFLUX. I have been prescribed NEXIUM tablets for this, and have just started taking them again, and they get rid of pain.......

[Donna123a]

I'm 38 now, and I've had this problem since I was a teenager.  

The pain is sharp and is there with every deep breath. So I have to take shallow breaths for a few minutes until the pain subsides.  (just like some of you described above... which are symptoms of costochondritis as someone mentioned.)

Only over the past 5 years, I've found something that helps to prevent the problem.  Everyday (or every chance I remember) I will BREATHE VERY DEEPLY to fill my lungs as full as I can... then hold my nose and PUSH my lungs to expand them.  I will then stand and lean and stretch to the left and then to the right.  This STRETCHES my lungs and expands them.  I think it helps to stretch out the lining of the lungs.  

That is the only thing that has helped me.  And it works really well.  You can't do this exercise while you're having a cramp...  you have to do this stretching when you feel good... and it'll help prevent the cramps.

It took me about 25 years to figure this out!  I hope it will help you too.

Donna

[avenue_x]

Exactly the same as Donna. We are even the same age.  Only I can remember having this back to childhood.  One trick I've done is, during a cramp I hunch over and breath out as completely as possible.  Then without breathing in, expand my diaphragm and pull a weak vacuum in my lungs.  I can then put my fingers a little under my ribcage and occasionally palpate the area that is cramping.  Surprisingly when this is possible, I can push them like gas trapped between the tissue.  This helps disperse the cramp. This makes me think it is some kind of de-lamination of soft tissue where, somehow, gasses collect causing pressure along the tissue junction.  Just an idea.

[Vinney1970]

I get these cramps in my ribcage either side and every once in awhile both sides at the same time.  I been told that I have CHD. and the my doctor gave me something for my heart. Since my medication is making my body loose patasium. this is the reson I get these pain in my ribs. If anyone has this problem. get your blood tested and see if your potasium level is low. Most of the time that is the main reson. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE AND GOD BLESS .

[atlasabdel]

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.
am 37y/o , i have this prb since 10 months .
The pain is sharp under my ribs  cage  plus back pain somtimes so funny becoz its move in many places sometimes in middle of back other times on my right side of my back  and is there with every deep breath , all my test are ok test blood and also the doctore say after the camera in my stomach that its ok .......but really what confuse  that much poeples in internet who have the same prb but till now i didnt find any right answer ....so i hope if any one can pls  help me and tell me any idea . and thanks.