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Feeling like something gets stuck under rib when bending over eg in forward fold

111 replies

SaltyLemons · 19/12/2024 17:37

It only ever happens in a particular position eg a forward fold in yoga or just now when I was sitting cross legged and folding over to do my bikini line/bits! It began happening after the birth of my second child (which was a section) and it's only ever in that position. It bloody hurts! I have to stretch out straight to make it go away - it feels awful! Can anybody relate?

OP posts:
Answeringaquestiontonight · 19/12/2024 21:25

Yes! Me! Since I had kids - I suspect it is pregnancy rather than childbirth related. Tried asking my gp and he looked confused and suggested a pulled muscle, but I don’t think it is that as it is intensely painful when it happens and then fades pretty quickly. Not happening as frequently as it once did.

SwedishEdith · 19/12/2024 21:34

I get this. Have got it while bending down on the train which is awkward. Never associated it with being post children or noticed which side it's on. I'm sure I read it was the diaphragm going into spasm.

RudolfIsMySpiritAnimal · 19/12/2024 21:38

I have this! On the left hand side.

Never known anyone else who's had this, and medical professionals clearly thought I was a complete hypochondriac when I tried to explain it to them.

PrincessPeach100 · 19/12/2024 21:45

Mine feels like a hernia but I don't think it is. Nothing bulging.

QueefofSheena · 19/12/2024 21:46

I get this too, on the left side. It happens if I bend too far forward, like getting something out of a low drawer, or laughing really hard. I have to really stretch and contort to relieve

I've had tests but they were all inconclusive. The consultant told me that my ribs were probably a bit ‘bendy’ after radiotherapy, which didn’t seem right! So glad I’ve found this thread.

sunshinechaser · 19/12/2024 21:47

SOMEONE MUST KNOW WHAT THIS IS! I need a diagnosis 😂

NecklessMumster · 19/12/2024 21:50

I get this..on my right hand side. I noticed it doing sitting forward stretch in pilates..like something had popped out. GP referred me to physio who said it was most likely muscular, intercostal muscles and gave me some exercises to strengthen it, which has helped. Of course when she asked me to demonstrate the movement that causes pain it didn't hurt 🙄

TuesdaysAreBest · 19/12/2024 21:58

Me too! It feels like one rib gets stuck underneath another.

GG1986 · 19/12/2024 21:58

YES!!! Nice to meet you all. I have had this feeling for a few years, always left hand side, almost feels like an organ getting stuck under the rib and i have to stretch out to get comfortable again.

rubytubeytubes · 19/12/2024 21:59

It’s called bendy rib
that’s it’s technical term! It’s when you bend in a certain position and nothing to worry about

Hopealong · 19/12/2024 22:00

I've not registered which side it happens but stretching forward in yoga and putting socks on type motions are triggers for me too. In a yoga class I've sometimes thought am I the only person that is getting this pain/discomfort and presumed it is down to my odd physiology. Have found it reassuring and puzzling that so many of us have the same thing.
Thank you for posting, really interesting.

Scutterbug · 19/12/2024 22:01

I get this too. I’m 50 and have had it for years!

partystress · 19/12/2024 22:02

Me too, LHS. Two c-sections, but only started when youngest was about 16 and I was menopausal.

thesunisastar · 19/12/2024 22:02

I wonder if this is an exclusively female thing?

RudolfIsMySpiritAnimal · 19/12/2024 22:06

thesunisastar · 19/12/2024 22:02

I wonder if this is an exclusively female thing?

I’m betting it must be - if men got it, it would have a diagnosis, treatment, and probably a support group!

Mysticaldeer · 19/12/2024 22:18

Oh, I get this. First noticed doing forward fold in yoga.
Not painful exactly, but makes me feel uncomfortable and a bit sick. Like something has moved inside out or under something else.

I did break ribs years ago so thought it must be something to do with that at first, but have noticed it happens more if I put on weight

Been happening for years and not dead yet, though, so I don't tend to worry about it.

NecklessMumster · 19/12/2024 22:23

You'd think GP 's would be more aware as it seems quite common!

SMLSML · 19/12/2024 22:39

I needed to see this post so badly! I had my second child by c section in July and the last two months or so I've had pain when bending over under my left rib and sometimes feels like I'm laying on something when laying on left side too... Its also slightly achy from time to time as well. I've been to the doctor twice and they've said it must be muscular as they can't feel anything but have referred me for an ultrasound because of the pain. Just so random a lot of other people seem to have it too but does reassure me as I've been so worried 🥺

wwyd2021medicine · 19/12/2024 22:40

I'm so pleased to have read this. Mine is R sided. Happens if I curl up forwards whilst sitting. Feels like a bone is sticking into something and v sharp and painful.
Off to google floating ribs now

TitchyBiteroo · 19/12/2024 22:43

Omg me too!!! I’m unreasonably thrilled to find my weird bendy rib pain people.

Bending to deal with shoes or socks sometimes, and almost always when trying to pull off wetsuit boots or swim shoes.

So painful, and exactly as described, like a twist or a pop, suddenly feeling something is really not where it ought to be, so it kind of takes your breath away with the ouch.

Then it goes back somehow, but feels weird and vulnerable to happening again for a day or two.

I was scanned for hernia but nothing found, so told not to worry about it and just aim to avoid the movement that triggers it.

Right side for me, just under rib, and started when I was late forties.

I can’t tell you how good it is to know this is a thing.

Waitingfordoggo · 19/12/2024 22:54

I'm so pleased to read this thread! I've mentioned it to lots of people in RL and no one knows what I'm talking about. But yes- left side for me too, and only since I had my DC2 who was quite a big baby. My bump was very far out front as I am short with a short torso. My ribs definitely expanded a lot in that pregnancy. Others have mentioned C-section but mine was a vaginal birth and I also get the same sensation. Stretching my arms right up is the only thing that works. I'm so relieved other people have had it!

bizzey · 19/12/2024 23:05

OMG !!
I have found my friends !😂😂👋👋!

VB 's Last one nearly 21 years ago !

I can't believe so many of us have the same issues !

SoupDragon · 19/12/2024 23:17

Me too! Left hand side. I think the first time I had it was reaching round from the drivers seat to pick something up from the floor of the car in the back.

Bewildermum · 19/12/2024 23:23

I have this! My doctor said it was the cartilage under the ribs getting stuck when you bend over. She said the reason is that when you're pregnant, a hormone called relaxin triggers your ligaments and cartilage etc to loosen to allow space for the pregnancy, and sometimes it doesn't tighten up again. I'm sure she gave me a name for the condition, can't remember what it was though....

weareallqueens · 19/12/2024 23:25

Another one to join the club. Right hand side, putting on socks, often after a run. I assumed it was a hernia but the doctor couldn't feel anything (but she's insanely dismissive anyway). I vaguely wonder sometimes in case it's something sinister so this is reassuring.

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