My doctor checked me for shingles the last time I had a flare up in the lower left back quadrant of the rib cage. Negative. Fibromyalgia is so baffling at times. It masks many other illnesses and conditions and can give one false symptoms

I had Costochondritis many years ago in the upper left rib cage and breast cavity. I had two cortisone shots. The Fibro doctor said this was secondary to Fibromyalgia.

Hi @A MyFibroTeam Member! I would have to agree with Vanessa that it sounds a lot like like costochondritis which goes along with fibro. Yes, I have a tens machine that I LOVE. I use it all the time for lots of different types of pain. It works well for some and not so well for others though. I got a 4 module machine that has TENS, interferential, microstimulation, and EMS. It was a little more expeinsive, but it has paid for itself several times over.

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A MyFibro...

It sounds like coshondritis that begins in the ribs as mine also started left side. You any pain in your sterum that's were I get my pain the worst...its inflammation of the ribs that causes it...a fall or even flu as you can hurt yourself coughing x

For some people cold packs work better than heat. You will know within minutes of trying it if it seems to help. Have you tried an epsom salt soak in the bath? TENS treatments might help too if you have access to a machine.