Oh my gosh, you describe that perfectly, like the rib cage is collapsing in pain - that is the same place for me, especially, at the end of the right lower rib cage - but it actually is the whole right side. They talk about the "glass being half full" outlook - I'm grateful it is not both sides with this degree of pain, but makes you wonder why a certain side flares, doesn't i? Thank you so much for the great info on the taping - its funny you mentioned that, as I did try a rib belt I had from a prior injury, which did seem to help. Probably because it helps to support the painful area, I imagine the tape is even better. Yes, BioFreeze is really good, have used that. I have found "Stopain" to be really effective also. I think we have all probably tried the lot of them! Will definitely look into the taping. Hope you feel better too!

Thanks so much. Sorry you are still dealing with it. I am praying it just settles down and becomes less acute. Do you find when you have this that you are unable to be upright or do daily activities because it exacerbates the stabbing and burning pain? Laying back on pillows and taking the pressure off seems to relieve it. I have trouble taking anti-inflammatories, as I'm sure that would help - will have to consider other types such as benzos or SSRI, as you said. I also believe this is part .of MPS (myofascial pain syndrome) and trigger points, which I'm sure most of us also have along with the fibro.

I use "warmies plush" microwavable, lavender filled plushies as warm compress, or take warm bath. Also, you just reminded me to use cream, I use Biofreeze, temporarily helps. Perhaps you could try kinesiology tapes sometimes. I think it helps me when I am desperate.
"Dr. Megann Schooley, board-certified clinical specialist in sports physical therapy and certified strength and conditioning specialist, explains it this way:
“All of your tissues — skin, connective tissue, fascia, muscles — contain sensory receptors that feel pain, temperature, and touch. Those receptors all contribute to proprioception—your brain’s sense of where your body is and what it’s doing. Kinesiology taping creates a lift that unloads the underlying tissues. Decompressing those tissues can change the signals going to the brain. When the brain receives a different signal, it’s going to respond differently,”
https://www.healthline.com/health/kinesiology-t...
On youtube you can find instructional videos how to place them or have someone help you with it.
Lately I am in so much pain with my ribs! You reminded me I should try the cream and the kinesiology tape.
Yes, the pain gets much better, but it is always there for me, under right ribcage and wraps around to the back. That pain is kind of always there, feels like tension, pressure, or a knife poking and during flares all that happens what you wrote, it expands. Sometimes it feels like my entire ribcage is collapsing on me, nothing to hold me up. Like a vice or something. Many hugs to you! Hope you feel better soon!

Wow, sure sounds like it. I am finding at this point, though, I cannot tolerate being upright doing even simple things for more than a few minutes. Pain cream helps very temporarily. Can I ask what type of warm compress you use? I use infrared pads, but would like a moist heat. I will try your support suggestions, thank you. Do you find you have gotten this in flares that eventually get better - looking for any bit of encouragement! Sounds like you have quite a bit of experience with it, unfortunately; so sorry. I am afraid that I have reached a peak with this, as I also have a severe kyphotic (roundnack) deformity for many years along with spinal arthritis, and I fear that along with the fibro, it has become a severe problem. I am 64 also, and unfortunately the fibro pain hasn't seemed to improve with age! But then what does, right? (Maybe wisdom and tolerance!)

"Do you find when you have this that you are unable to be upright or do daily activities because it exacerbates the stabbing and burning pain? Laying back on pillows and taking the pressure off seems to relieve it." Exactly as you describe it. The pain is worse by being upright and trying to do daily activities. Laying back, propping myself up with pillows, especially supporting under arms, elbows, warm compress helps. I know certain movements causes flare up this type of pain. Carrying groceries, cleaning, reaching up, even driving (need to support arms probably).