Intercostal muscle cramp: I often get... - Lung Conditions C...

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Intercostal muscle cramp

dragonsinger profile image
8 Replies

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.

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dragonsinger profile image
dragonsinger
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8 Replies
Tia4209 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
dragonsinger in reply to Ergendl

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

Ergendl profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
dragonsinger in reply to Shirleyj

Thanks, I'll give the magnesium a try.

Tawny10 profile image
Tawny10

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

younginmind profile image
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!

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