I've had those annoying, painful spasms in the intercostal rib muscles for about 10 years now. If they get bad enough, they can make your rib heads pop out where they attach in the back.

The only thing I've found to help is chiropractic care. In finding a doc, make sure they have experience treating people with fibro. We're hyper-sensitive and reactive, and the standard approach to chiro adjustments can make us worse.

I know with fibromyalgia the muscles between your ribs, I believe they are called intercostal muscles, is an area that can hurt with fibromyalgia. You do not have to be top-heavy to have this pain, it can happen to anybody. The pain can go all around your ribs front and back. I have this problem. For me it's more along the sternum area in front but I do get it wrapping around the sides. A friend of mine who also has fibromyalgia had this rib pain for the first time. She thought she was having a heart attack. She went to the ER and it was just muscle spasming. It can be very intense and tender.

@A MyFibroTeam Member I thought is was, but after reading the comments you are right. I got a lot of good info, and my Neurologist called & said we will talk about it on the 8th when I go back to her.

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A MyFibro...

I don't think you have to be top heavy to experience these. Mine started in my rib cage area about 10 years ago. Not often but extremely painful. Since going through chemo and breast reconstruction surgeries (5), they are chronic and everywhere. Hands, feet, legs, groin, stomach, sides, even up the sides of my ankles. They have gotten a little less frequent (4 years post chemo) but rule my existence. I live with a heating pad which really helps if they're minor spasms. I've got good results with "Noni" cream which seems to help reduce the repeat cycle (can some times last 20+ minutes). You can order it on Amazon. Keeping rested and recognizing your body's response is key to controlling the cramps. Pool exercises and aqua yoga have really helped as well. Always try to control movement paying close attention to my muscles. It's exhausting! Muscle relaxers wouldn't stop the cramping and they made me feel aweful the following 48 hours.

Yes in both sides. Comes and goes. Getting pretty constant now. I have spots that she. I touch feel bruised they hurt so bad. I get the stabbing and and sharp pains. It's all extra hard on me I have spinal cord stimulator in that has to come out asap because one transmitter is dangerously close to my cord. Broken neck yrs ago. But yes my ribs and even my lower back and I feel like my arms are being torn to shreds. Migraines. I have nothing for pain right now. I have my regular meds and whatnot, Lyrica, Cymbalta muscle relaxer etc. I really hope they start helping more soon. Prayers and hugs to to everyone!!!