Upper abdominal cramps (severe spasms)

thank you for posting

Hi everyone - glad to see a few people have found out what is causing this for them (although it does seem to be random and few and far between) I have been having severe spasms in my rib cage area for about 10 years now - every once in a great while it will be below my belly button and those are the worst. It always seems to start after moving a certain way or even while doing dishes or laundry. It doesn't seem to have any correlation to what I eat or don't eat. It seems like it has more to do with activity or moving. The pain is so horrible all i can to is lay down and suffer (sometimes noisily swearing lol) it feels like the worst Charley horse ever. I have a high pain tolerance but this is worse than having 11 abscessed teeth or child birth by a mile. I dont have insurance so I have done research and tried things like a gluten free diet - potassium - b12 - biotin..nothing seems to help. I drink monster energy drinks (the sugar free ones) just about every day for the past year and they have taurine in them ..so that is not the answer. It got so bad a month ago (i had about 20 episodes lasting about 15-20 mins each ..in one day) that I went to the ER. The doc was totally incompetent and said i had tendinitis and told me to take advil and go get a flue shot!!! So i went to my local clinic and the doc there sent me for some tests at the hospital. They found I had numerous gallstones and scheduled surgery. I had the surgery on May 21st and after about 2-3 weeks i still have pain in my right side but several nights ago i started getting the same cramps again on the right side. They did another cat scan and blood work friday but the results came back that everything was ok. SO next week they are sending me to get a upper GI endoscope test :( The docs all seem to be looking for something deeper inside i guess and i know that pain sometimes transfers but i just REALLY feel that this is in my muscles. I also have muscles twitching and cramping in my legs and arms but those are just annoying. One other thing I would mention is that my lymph nodes in my armpits and groin area are sore all the time. I also am soooo fatigued all the time ..even doing laundry wears me out. Has anyone one else had this too? Heres to us figuring out what this is ...im sick of living with it!

Sorry you have been suffering for so long... horrible! I want to say first of all that I seriously doubt this is muscle related. First of all make sure that every time you have bloodwork YOU get a copy. Look for things in your blood work that may be suspicious. Had I done this I would not have suffered so long with my unexplained abdominal pain. I have had two Acute Pancreatitis attacks in the last month, but started having problems over 6 months ago. Had I looked at the blood work I would have discovered that I had elevated lipase levels (upper 200's) but this was not brought to my attention because even though the "normal" range is between 3 and 70, many labs won't highlight anything under 300. There are just so many things that tie into good digestion etc. that it is really important to look at everything. Having an upper endoscopy sounds like a good idea and hopefully it will be a small bowel follow through which will be more helpful. You just need to start having things checked off and eventually you will find the culprit... but if you don't look, you won't find it! You might start with eliminating wheat, gluton (there is a difference so look it up), all dairy and all alcohol. I would do this for at least a month and then slowly add one of these items back at a time over a week to see if you get any type of reaction. I would also STOP the muscle drinks... they are known for causing kidney stones and that might be your problem too. If you are trying to get more protein try Isopure (available in any health food store) which doesn't have anything weird in it to mess with your metabolism, and if you are trying to get energy try improving your diet and exercising. Here is to a PAIN FREE life!

misslaughing wrote:

Hasznone wrote:

Wow this is got to be the biggest godsend ever I feel like I've just joined a new family that understands my pain literally!!! Everybody's post sounds just like what I've been going through. At first I thought my pain came from a car accident I had but I'm starting to believe it's something else entirely. I have the same symptoms just like all of you and many of the same triggers such as laughing, sneezing, or somehow making too sudden of a move like bending over to tie shoelaces. It is extremely painful and once it occurs I must stop whatever I'm doing and as many of you have said there is no position that seems to work. I usually try lifting my arms over my head and stretching to push the muscle back in the opposite direction but it doesn't really work all the time its just all I know how to do. My spasms start in my solar plexus like a tight not, and if I'm not careful it spreads to my stomach and chest. I almost believe that if it can spread throughout your entire body if you panic and continue to move. So for me there is no one place, it just spreads from my solar plexus most of the time although it can start other places. Another painful area is definitely the ribcage, especially when laughing or turning to the side too abruptly. Many times it has started in my solar plexus and spread to my ribcage resulting in me dropping to the floor contorting switching sides to counteract the spread of the spasm. One stretch that sometimes helps in the situation I have found is to lie flat on your stomach and too use your hands to push you off the floor lifting just your torso. This is a common exercise stretch that just happens to temporarily delay the spasm but you have to keep doing it for awhile. Well as for the guest who mentioned getting as spasm during sexual intercourse or recording I must confess I've had the same thing happen to me. It's times like these that honesty is truly the best policy. I record as well and I'm also starting to believe that somehow certain breathing techniques do help to lessen the spasm I swear there is some kind of connection with breathing and muscle tension. Perhaps we can all work together to find a way to conquer this pain I for one would love to find out just what the hell it is in the first place. Thanks to you all for allowing me to feel like I'm no longer crazy for feeling this type of pain for the last thirty or so years!!

Ditto! I think I am going to get my gallbladder out..no stones, but only working 30 percent..But the spasms are crazy..in my right and left side when I bend over, or laugh sometimes..it is so painful..takes a few minutes to subside.

Have you ever heard of Rippling Muscle Disorder? I have had years of almost exactly what you are describing. I have had ultrasounds, etc, but nothing. After a bad one, I thought it felt like a ripple as it went across my abdomen and so I typed that in (rippling muscles) as a symptom and came up with this. (I also have described it -- a mild case that is -- as feeling like a baby kicking. Supposedly, it is genetic, so I thought it must not be it and then found out that my mother has it too! As you said, for both of us, it might come on from tying our shoes or even turning our head. The other night, I had a real episode where it continued to happen, but it was the first time. According to doctors, this is a rare disorder, but I am thinking that it may not be so rare

I am glad to have found this sit.  A couple of years ago I had appedicitis and had to have emergency surgery, I was in the hospital for 7 days and they could not find out what was wrong with me so they sent me home with a bag full of medication then a month later the full onsite hit and I almost died.  My liver was hardening, my kidneys were failing they told my husband they didn't know if I was going to make it or not. So they did the surgery right away the same day I came in the ER. I had had MRI CAT Scans blood work just all kinds of test. Before going in to surgery the surgeon asked me to consent to having part of my stomach and colon removed, I said no that was to much going on at one time, he said eventually I will have to have it done, well now the stomach and back spasms are so bad they are crimpling from a scale of 1 to 10 the pain is a 10 and it happens very frequently, laying down standing up nothing helps I just have to wait until it subsides now I wondering if I get the surgery done will it stop the spasm.   From every post I have read we have the same exact pain and in the same spots but now mine are all over my stomach sometimes dead center and it feels like a kick in the gut.  Has anyone else been told they may need to have part of their stomach and colon removed

No and I don't agree that our symptoms are the same as yours. If fact you will panic people very un-necessarily.

I am so sorry you are in so much pain! Please seek a second opinion immediately! If any doctor recommends such a complex procedure as removing part of your stomach and colon, he or she had better explain it completely to YOU and your family so that you understand the REASON for such a drastic procedure! Why is he or she doing this (i.e. WHAT is the diagnosis???) what will it accomplish (how will it help?) and what is the result going to be? You need to get the answers to these questions (write them down as the doctor answers them) and take them to a SECOND doctor for another opinion. I am assuming you are seeing a gastroenterologist... do an internet research on this doctor and find out some history... is he or she a GOOD doctor? Who is this doctor recommending do the surgery? Make sure any surgeon is a reputable doctor with no malpractice suits. PLEASE get busy and find some answers from qualified people. Your case sounds serious, or at least what this doctor is recommending is VERY serious and you need answers and you need them NOW! Good luck and please write back and let us know what you found out! Hugs! Sharon

I take magnesium it stoped it for me but when i dont take it it starts to happen again. Had one today so painful so im back on the mag

i tend to agree with the bio-magnesium. it my case i do think it is some sort of stomach spasm and bio-magnesium does relieve it

Ferbie wrote:

Sarah Jenks Flesher wrote:

Guest wrote:

I'm a 25 year old female, and I've had severe abdominal muscle spasms on and off for about 6 months now. They seem to be brought on by stretching too far or bending in an awkward position. The first time it happened, I'd been at the gym doing a lot of crunches, but I never felt any pain. Hours later, back at home, my stomach began to ache like I needed to go to the bathroom. From there the pain snowballed until my entire torso was in severe pain. It was such a consuming pain, I couldn't tell where the pain was coming from. No position was comfortable and after laying in bed in agony, teeth gritted and tears flowing, a family member took me to the emergency room.

About 30 minutes after we entered the ER the pain suddenly subsided but the Dr. on duty proscribed Soma and Vicodin to get me through the weekend. The muscle spasms lasted about 2 hours. I had the beginning of another episode later that night, but I took the Soma and Vicodin as soon as the pain began, not wanting another episode.

The only way I can describe the pain is like I'm having a torso charlie horse or being tased/shocked. It's completely debilitating to the point that sometimes I can't even stand or sit. On a scale of pain with 0 being no pain and 10 being tortured to death, the pain is certainly an 8+.

I've had other episodes, some less severe than others. Many times, I feel the pain radiating from just under my left ribcage, but once the spasms start, my entire torso from just under my ribcage down to my abs and around my back is in an incredible amount of pain. As soon as I feel the tell-tale ache, I take the medication to stop it from getting out of control.

The ER gave me Soma and Vicodin, which worked very well. My General Practitioner proscribed Flexeril, a muscle relaxer, and tylenol. Both work as well. My GP said to go to physical therapy. I did the stretches, but it seems to resurface every few months.

Has anyone else had a similar experience? What did your Dr. diagnose it as? Any similar stories or advice are appreciated.

I get these spasms in my upper right side. Horrible pain, and a huge bulge. This generally subsides in a few minutes, as it goes down, it pulsates, like there is an alien about to hatch. Sometimes an awkward bending position will bring it on, or a cough, etc. I have had a CT scan, and an ultrasound, but nothing shows up. At first Dr.s thought it was a hernia (had my gallbladder out before these symptoms). I also have seven herniated discs, and one Doc said it was from pinched nerves. I now have developed pretty good pain in my ribcage - both sides, and a mass growing on my left ribcage, which apparently is due to an arthritic condition. Go figure. I thought I was crazy until I found this site.

I hear ya! I just had a bad one yesterday while riding as a passenger in the car....I had just twisted to put a bottle of water away and it came on gangbusters! The rest of the people in the car were scared....but I am used to them. It's good(!) to know other people are having them...
I had my gallbladder out too 7 years ago..and my cramping didn't start until a couple of years ago. I was worried that it was liver/pancreatic cancer. But reading these posts help to know that I am not alone in this....thanks for posting everyone!

I went to the ER with pains in the upper right quadrant permiating to the right side of my back..They did an ex-ray of my chest..Normal..They did an ultra sound of my upper torso..I have a slighty enlarged liver...Sludge on the gallbladder...They took blood tests and the amylase and lipase levels were elevated..the 2nd 3rd 4th and 5th blood test came back with normal results...they disharged me from the hospital after 48 hours and told me to lose some weight and exercise...They said I suffered from Pancreatitis and not to worry because the Pancreatic blood test showed normal amylase and lipase levels...I still have the pain and presently taking Meloxicam...Any suggestions????

Linda wrote:

Ferbie wrote:

Sarah Jenks Flesher wrote:

Guest wrote:

I'm a 25 year old female, and I've had severe abdominal muscle spasms on and off for about 6 months now. They seem to be brought on by stretching too far or bending in an awkward position. The first time it happened, I'd been at the gym doing a lot of crunches, but I never felt any pain. Hours later, back at home, my stomach began to ache like I needed to go to the bathroom. From there the pain snowballed until my entire torso was in severe pain. It was such a consuming pain, I couldn't tell where the pain was coming from. No position was comfortable and after laying in bed in agony, teeth gritted and tears flowing, a family member took me to the emergency room.

About 30 minutes after we entered the ER the pain suddenly subsided but the Dr. on duty proscribed Soma and Vicodin to get me through the weekend. The muscle spasms lasted about 2 hours. I had the beginning of another episode later that night, but I took the Soma and Vicodin as soon as the pain began, not wanting another episode.

The only way I can describe the pain is like I'm having a torso charlie horse or being tased/shocked. It's completely debilitating to the point that sometimes I can't even stand or sit. On a scale of pain with 0 being no pain and 10 being tortured to death, the pain is certainly an 8+.

I've had other episodes, some less severe than others. Many times, I feel the pain radiating from just under my left ribcage, but once the spasms start, my entire torso from just under my ribcage down to my abs and around my back is in an incredible amount of pain. As soon as I feel the tell-tale ache, I take the medication to stop it from getting out of control.

The ER gave me Soma and Vicodin, which worked very well. My General Practitioner proscribed Flexeril, a muscle relaxer, and tylenol. Both work as well. My GP said to go to physical therapy. I did the stretches, but it seems to resurface every few months.

Has anyone else had a similar experience? What did your Dr. diagnose it as? Any similar stories or advice are appreciated.

I get these spasms in my upper right side. Horrible pain, and a huge bulge. This generally subsides in a few minutes, as it goes down, it pulsates, like there is an alien about to hatch. Sometimes an awkward bending position will bring it on, or a cough, etc. I have had a CT scan, and an ultrasound, but nothing shows up. At first Dr.s thought it was a hernia (had my gallbladder out before these symptoms). I also have seven herniated discs, and one Doc said it was from pinched nerves. I now have developed pretty good pain in my ribcage - both sides, and a mass growing on my left ribcage, which apparently is due to an arthritic condition. Go figure. I thought I was crazy until I found this site.

I hear ya! I just had a bad one yesterday while riding as a passenger in the car....I had just twisted to put a bottle of water away and it came on gangbusters! The rest of the people in the car were scared....but I am used to them. It's good(!) to know other people are having them...
I had my gallbladder out too 7 years ago..and my cramping didn't start until a couple of years ago. I was worried that it was liver/pancreatic cancer. But reading these posts help to know that I am not alone in this....thanks for posting everyone!

I went to the ER with pains in the upper right quadrant permiating to the right side of my back..They did an ex-ray of my chest..Normal..They did an ultra sound of my upper torso..I have a slighty enlarged liver...Sludge on the gallbladder...They took blood tests and the amylase and lipase levels were elevated..the 2nd 3rd 4th and 5th blood test came back with normal results...they disharged me from the hospital after 48 hours and told me to lose some weight and exercise...They said I suffered from Pancreatitis and not to worry because the Pancreatic blood test showed normal amylase and lipase levels...I still have the pain and presently taking Meloxicam...Any suggestions????

Hi,
Please be VERY careful of pancreatitis! This has the potential to be a VERY serious condition. You must get the health condition that caused your pancreas to become inflamed under control now. I recommend going to this website: http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Pancreatitis/forum Look at some of the postings and you will soon learn how serious this condition can be. Pancreatitis is a rather rare condition and most doctors give poor advice on how to treat it. You need to be very proactive to prevent another attack and possible permanent damage to your pancreas. The first thing to know is that 75% of all pancreatic attacks are due to alcohol. Usually this occurs in only heavy drinkers, but it can happen to "social" drinkers as well especially if you are IBS prone. The rest of the people that come down with this condition are mostly due to gall bladder conditions. What happens is that a stone or gall bladder sludge can block the pancreatic ducts which does not allow the digestive enzymes that the pancreas produces to be released into the small intestine. Those enzymes start "eating" the pancreas which causes permanent damage. Once your pancreas is damaged, then one's ability to digest food becomes impaired, and/or you can develop diabetes (the pancreas produces insulin), and the PAIN can be unbearable. This can be a life threatening condition as well and is not to be taken lightly. Losing weight won't help you if you have a gall bladder or liver problems. I would recommend making an appointment with a gastroenterologist ASAP, and educate yourself. Another good site is Pancreas.org. Good luck to you!
Sharon

My husband has had these extreme muscle spasms in his abdomen and on one side or the other of his ribcage.  They come when he leans forward and twists, like to pull the seat in the car forward, and to say they are extreme is an understatement.  He also gets them in the hamstring muscle and recently in the inside of his thigh.  The only relief he has found at all is a pill called "Leg Cramps' made by Hylands Co. (you can find it at Walmart) that has quinine in it.  He also drinks tonic water in his ice tea because it has quinine in it as well.  As soon as  he takes the pill, within less than a minute the cramp begins to let up or is gone completely, it's amazing to watch how fast it works.  We've told the doctor about it and have gotten no help, no suggestions, no tests.  I think our doctor knows there is nothing he can really do to fix this, so he isn't going to waste his or our time trying what can't be done.  My husband never goes anywhere without the pills, they work for him.  Good luck!

I started having severe muscle spasms about 6 weeks ago, getting progressively worse the same as you're describing, and have had restless leg syndrome for years. Started taking effervescent electrolyte tablets last week. No more spasms and no meds necessary for legs. Works for me until I stop taking them, then they all return.

I have posted here too for abdominal cramps. Mine have been for about 40 years. Recently I experienced small chest pains and I called my doctor who was unavailable to see me but I was asked if I would see this other doctor in his office. since my husband had gone to this other doctor and I liked him very much, I agreed to see him. When I got there the nurse took me into an office and began taking my vitals. When the doctor came in he asked me "How long have you been on home oxygen?" I told him I was not. He said "Maybe you should be, your blood oxygen level is 87." I asked what was considered the norm and he answered "anything over 90". He then scheduled me for a stress test with a nuclear scan of my heart muscle and in addition an echocardiogram. A week later, I went back for a follow-up and he said that the right side of my heart was not operating normally and he also had me walk up and down the corridors of his office. My blood oxygen level was 83 to 85. He then had me rest and the highest reading he could get at resting level was an 88. He sent me home and by the time I reached my home, a team was sitting in my living room with all the machines and hook ups for home oxygen. Since I have been on the oxygen, a month now, I have not had a single cramp (which is unbelievable for I had them every day sometimes several times a day). I will keep you posted if the oxygen is the miracle cure I have been waiting for. In the meantime, if your doctor has not checked your blood oxygen levels, I suggest you have him do so and better yet....go to Walmart and ask the pharmacist there for a "Pulse Oximeter". It costs about $37.00 but well worth your while. This way when you get a cramp, you can measure your own blood oxygen level and rule it in or out. As I said I will be back with all of you and will keep you informed if my cramps return.

Had my gallbladder removed 11 years ago. 2 years ago I was in ER on oxygen for 5 hours during an asthma attack. I also have emphysema and I'm sure you can guess why. My bet is either oxygen deprivation or my po tassium/electrolyte levels are very low.