Aches around ribs: Does everyone ache... - Fibromyalgia Acti...

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Aches around ribs

Cakeygirl profile image
19 Replies

Does everyone ache all around their ribs when in bed. Have had fibromyalgia many years now. Just curious. Feel so tired all the time but the moment I wake I can’t wait to get out of bed. It is agony.

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Cakeygirl profile image
Cakeygirl
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19 Replies
Jonn9 profile image
Jonn9

Hello there yes I have been getting rib pain on and off for the last few years at first I thought I was having a stroke. When it moves up to the chest it can be very scary. I have been told I have Costochondritis which many people with fibo have. I take gout tablets for it and co-coddomal 30-500. I try to relax and breathe slowly also as it can move around and feels like I am being crushed at times. The good news is it comes and goes . Take care

Blearyeyed profile image
Blearyeyed

If it is mainly just a gnawing ache ( I say just that's bad enough isn't it!) but not intense , like costochondritis , which makes it hard to move and breathe and is a type of inflammation in the area between the cartilage of the ribs. There are some simple tips to start.As you are called , " Cakeygirl", I hope I am right in assuming you are female . This sounds quite personal , but I will just say it!

Many female Fibro and Chronic Pain sufferers find comfort from chest and rib pain at night if they wear one of those soft fabric sleep bra tops.

The top gives you some support reducing the effect that a moving chest has on your body.

Sometimes a fitted vest also helps for Men as well as Women.

Raising your head and shoulders on pillows can also reduce chest and rib area pain in both Fibro and Costochondritis.

If the pain is very bad try drinking more water in sips to cool the chest , and in case it is inflammation , not only Fibro a couple of Paracetamol early evening can help until the phase has gone.

It's gentler on the stomach than Codeine and doesn't have the same rebound pain effect when it wears off.

Relaxation breathing while lying on raised pillows a few times a day helps Fibro rib or chest pain and is part of the self care of Costochondritis if you get that .

Taking note of how you move your body each day and making sure you don't overstretch your body , or you slow down repetitive movements that aggravate the chest and rib area help a lot.

A warm shower or bath before bed can help . So too can a warm wheat bag to cuddle . Gently massaging in a soothing lotion also helps.

Drinking the recommended water each day and a vitamin and mineral supplement taken with food is basic Self Care that can reduce the level of many of our Fibro pains and symptoms.

The more you can relax , the more you can sleep , and proper body rest and sleep are one of the things we can get to help Pain.

Hope you feel better soon.

Earworm profile image
Earworm in reply to Blearyeyed

Wise words Blearyeyed I have learnt something else to try🙏💞

Yassytina profile image
YassytinaFMA UK Volunteer

Having seen some helpful replies perhaps this is something you can discuss with your doctor for a piece of mind ? Hopefully you will get some answers as to why this is happening, take care x

Camille1 profile image
Camille1

My ribs are constantly tender and really hurt if touched. When they first started hurting a few years ago, they would hurt just lying on my side in bed and when rolling over too.

I was diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency and soon after, fibromyalgia.

It's a bit better now, but it's something I've cone to live with (just like we do with a lot of our symptoms). I also take a low dose of amitriptyline, maybe that takes the edge off.

thespianglobe profile image
thespianglobe

Spot on - rib pain is awful. I use two very soft pillows which have to be in just the right place so I can sleep, heat helps and I have to get up as soon as I wake up as it is agony to lay in bed.

Cakeygirl profile image
Cakeygirl

You are spot on, What I wouldn’t give to turn over when I open my eyes and go back to sleep. You are the only one who gets it. Thank you for making me feel as if I am not the only one.

Sas210319 profile image
Sas210319

Hello, I ache ALOT around my rib area as if my ribs are awfully bruised too mines more as I wake up all the time and continues for some time then wears off and it's back again. This is all the time for me x

Mum007 profile image
Mum007

I suffer from acid reflux and this is one of the symptoms. You could ask your doctor for a trial of omeprazole but I would start with diet. Chocolate, red wine, alcohol, tomatoes, fats eg greasy or fatty food. Try avoiding them for a week and see if there is an improvement.

Whiteclouds profile image
Whiteclouds

Yes I’m in agony right now just getting out of bed it’s reduced me to tears pain in ribs , back, hips , upper legs shoulders , wrists and hands. I’m in hell. Getting from the bedroom to the bathroom is so extremely painful it’s just taken me the best part of 20 mins to get out of bed. I’m so unhappy I just can’t see an end to this pain. I’m waiting to hear from the doctor but appointment is in July . I hope he can give me something to take away the pain. Sorry for moaning and sorry your in pain too.

MS_2019 profile image
MS_2019

Yes I too have rib pain and have had it since being diagnosed over a year ago 😞 it’s absolute agony and wakes you up every time you go to turn or even slightly move, I’ve tried pregabalin, zapain, lidocaine patches, nothing seems to touch it, I’ve been diagnosed with costacondritis a few times both in the center of rib cage and the left side which I did not know you could have, GP does not know whats causing this pain, however I completely relate, I’ve tried relaxing, stretching and breathing exercises before bedtime, but again with no luck in easing it. Very gentle hugs and I hope you will find something that works for you xx

Dianne2008 profile image
Dianne2008

Yes I also suffer with rib pain and mine is not just whilst laying down. Some days I feel as though my bra is cutting into my body just around the breast bone. It is excruciating

Charr53 profile image
Charr53

Hi everyone, well this definitely seems to be part of fibro. I've had terrible pain all over and in this case my ribs too. Some voltarol can help ease to make it bearable. Mine never goes away my 5 year old grandaughter hugged me yesterday and I cringed. My sons little dog jumped up on me and I cringed just by turning around on my lap. It's pathetic but I also have a sister who is going through chemotherapy for breast cancer and she's so ill and in so much pain and I just think why am I moaning and feel guilty for moaning about being in pain.

Earworm profile image
Earworm

Oh sweetie I feel your pain it's horrific 😞 I totally understand and personally suffering now for 8 months of it unfortunately. Having spondulosis doesn't help but pain relief not particularly helpful but anti spasm medication does ease itBlessings to you and hope you feel a bit better soon🙏💞

Broadfield profile image
Broadfield

The pain in my right hand side ribs was criminal and I slept mostly on the sofa as I could sit up and be more comfortable but now I'm taking a Multi phytonutrient complex by Viridian and a Lactobacillius Acidophilus by Oxford Vitality and everything is so much better. It's recommend for long Covid after studies were carried out by Adenbrooks hospital. I now go to bed every night and sleep well, sometimes I need a couple of paracetamol but not every night. It's worth a try as Covid suffers have had huge benefits from them. I have ME and Fibro and have been poorly for 26years. This is the best I have ever felt.😊

crochetjoy profile image
crochetjoy in reply to Broadfield

This is very useful info, thank you

crochetjoy profile image
crochetjoy

Hi, not much to add to comments already made but I do also suffer with rib pain and it's noticeable in bed but can also happen anytime of the dayHope you get something to help x

Acheyone profile image
Acheyone

I also suffer with rib pain, have never had a answer as to the cause. I have mgus & osteoporosis as well which may also be part of the cause. All I know is how uncomfortable it is and can happen anytime. I do hope you find something to help x

Cotswolds25121 profile image
Cotswolds25121

Hi Cakeygirl, I had excruciating pains in my ribs for a few years. It felt as if my ribs were crossing over one another is the only way I can describe it. It would last a few minutes and then very slowly ease off so it doesn’t sound the same as yours and others and I count myself extremely lucky that it didn’t last as long as yours and I haven’t had it in a while 🙏the only thing I can think of is I have had a few new medications over the past year and maybe it is one or a combination of them have have helped thank goodness. I really feel for all of you who are still suffering with rib pain as I understand how terribly painful it is. Wishing you well x

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