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Real members of MyFibroTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Batavia, IL

Every time I try to be more active my ribs just start to ache so bad. How do people on this site manage this co-occuring condition?

August 29
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A MyFibroTeam Member

I have to be careful what activities I do ,and how much in a day .I have to be very careful not to push/ pull furniture. Careful on lifting things and carrying heavy things. If I carry a bag of groceries,it will flareup my Costeochrondritis. If you can tolerate anti-inflammatories, they work the best. I cannot, so I find the ice works well for me several times a day. Put on a good CBD cream on, orif you have emu cream that’s helpful on bones.

August 29
A MyFibroTeam Member

When I have experienced this, my docs recommend rest. Doc ordered home oxygen cuz the pain was preventing me from breathing properly.

I hope you feel better soon.

August 29
MyFibroTeam

Costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs) is a known comorbidity of fibromyalgia, and that rib pain when trying to be more active is something many people with fibromyalgia can relate to. It can feel really discouraging when you're trying to do the right thing and your body pushes back hard.

One Show Full Answer

Costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs) is a known comorbidity of fibromyalgia, and that rib pain when trying to be more active is something many people with fibromyalgia can relate to. It can feel really discouraging when you're trying to do the right thing and your body pushes back hard.

One of the most important strategies shared by MyFibroTeam members is pacing yourself. This means not doing too much on the days you feel better, as overdoing it can set you back significantly.

Here are some tips that may help:

- Start very slowly — even small movements count as activity
- Break activity into short bursts rather than one long session
- Rest between activities to avoid overloading your body
- Choose low-impact movement like gentle stretching or slow walking
- Listen to your body's signals and stop before the pain escalates

It's also worth speaking with your doctor about pain management options specifically for costochondritis alongside your fibromyalgia treatment, as managing the inflammation may make activity more tolerable.

As one MyFibroTeam member wisely put it, learning to pace yourself is one of the most valuable skills you can develop — doing things gradually rather than all at once can make a real difference.

August 29
A MyFibroTeam Member

I get this quite often due to EDS my ribs can crack and break from a simple cough or sneeze. Also the
Manubrium cracks between 10 and 15 times a day. I can always tell when something is amiss I need to lay flat raise my arms to click my collar bone back my ribs also shift and need cracking back. I used to break my ribs more often when I was driving just pulling the handbrake up or turning too quickly. It's so painful I've got used to it over the years

August 30
A MyFibroTeam Member

😣 I hope you feel better soon!

August 29

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