Intercostal muscle cramp

[dragonsinger]

I often get cramp in the muscles of my chest. Mostly when l laugh, but also sometimes when I cough, and just wondering if this could be because of my IPF? Does anyone else get this?I also have a back problem (a wedge fracture of one of my vertebrae caused by osteoporosis) so the cramp could be from that or even a combination of the two?

Any advice or suggestions most welcome.

[Tia4209]

I have wedge compression fractures in my thoracic spine that cause cramp like spasms that radiate from my back to my chest and feel like a tight band all the way round , this happens if I try to do anything with my arms above my head or even sitting up straight without support for my upper back, I am going to ask for an MRI to see if it’s a a pinched or compressed nerve causing the issue. Hopefully you will get more answers later and can work out what is causing your pain.

[Ergendl]

I sometimes get intercostal muscle soreness with COPD. It means I've been breathing too deeply without warm ups to do some heavy task or demanding singing. It has become less of a problem as I run weekly singing for lung health groups.

[dragonsinger in reply to Ergendl]

I'd love to join your singing group, shame I live too far away 🙁

[Ergendl in reply to dragonsinger]

Here's a link to my YouTube channel for some of the exercises: youtube.com/channel/UCGvJ9E...

Do check out the ALUK groups search page at asthmaandlung.org.uk/groups... to see if there is a singing for lung health group closer to you.

[Shirleyj]

I used to get cramp in my chest, usually through laughing. Frightened the life out of me at first. I started taking magnesium , which is supposed to be good for cramp, seems to have done the job. When it cramps up I just breath slowing and try to relax until it goes.Hope this helps. Shirley.

[dragonsinger in reply to Shirleyj]

Thanks, I'll give the magnesium a try.

[Tawny10]

I also get cramps sometimes when I cough… mostly in my diaphragm!!

[younginmind]

I get cramps in chest/side/shoulder, sometimes in tum - they don't last long about 20 mins, but boy do they hurt - have asked various consultants but am told - your muscles & nerves have been cut through operations - have been taking magnesium for a few years now, doesn't make any difference - just have to live with them!