What Causes Cramps In The Rib Cage Area

Camila Farah

People who have been exposed to cigarette smoke for a long time are more likely to suffer from pneumonia. Any up or down movement can lead to cramping of the diaphragm. Pneumonia is a common cause of stabbing pain under the right rib when breathing.

This can lead to bruised ribs broken ribs pulled muscles and fractured ribs.

The lungs end close to the bottom of the rib cage and any irritation to this area can result in pain felt below the ribs. The most common causes of rib cage pain are a pulled muscle or bruised ribs. One of the most common causes of rib cage pain is a chest injury or a direct blow to the chest due to traffic collisions falls or sports related contact. Injuries to the chest.

Physicians suggest that one of the main reasons for cramps in the rib cage is due to contractions of the diaphragm the dome shaped muscle located on the inferior side of the rib cage. You may also feel headache cough fever and chill. A diaphragm spasm or flutter may cause a temporary feeling of tightness in the chest. Other causes of pain in the rib cage area may include.

Any jarring movement i e. The most common cause of sharp or dull pains in your rib cage is a pulled muscle or fractured rib. Separate thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and assist the inhalation and exhalations of air from the lungs through constant relaxation and contracting movements. There are several muscles that are attached to the rib cage.

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The exact etiology of muscle cramps in thoracic cage is not clear but it has been suggested by experts that the main reason for cramps in this area is due to contraction of diaphragm. As per the theory the muscle cramp in the rib cage is attributed to the contraction of the diaphragm which is one of the most powerful muscles which separates the thorax from the abdomen and is located below the lungs. A diaphragm spasm is a sudden involuntary contraction that often causes a fluttering feeling in the chest. While painful the condition is self limiting and can be treated at home with rest ice and heat.

Fractured ribs are cracks or breaks in bones designed to protect the upper body. The common causes of pneumonia include fungal bacterial and viral infections. The diaphragm serves two functions. Muscle cramps and spasms in the rib cage are most commonly caused by dehydration leading to electrolyte imbalance or by muscle overuse and injury according to pubmed health.

General inflammation or inflammation caused by infection to the lungs can result in pain in the lower ribs on both sides. It is a dome shaped muscle located on the inferior side of rib cage. Injuries to your rib cage or muscles in your upper chest can cause rib pain ranging from a dull ache to sudden sharp jabbing pains in the affected area.