EVERY single day for the last 3 years! My number one complaint. No reason found for it, but they sure hurt. There are several areas on my ribs that are so tender even I can't touch them without wincing. And when I think it can't possibly hurt more, I hit new levels. Like right now. I've been coughing very hard and I can't get comfortable sitting, laying, or standing. I know exactly how you feel.

Bobbii, I'm glad I'm not alone in this. It is very humidity this week and not only do my ribs hurt my whole body feels like someone beat me up.

This is a common problem among people with Fibromyalgia:

Costochondritis, also known as Tietzes syndrome, is an inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage. The condition most often affects the cartilage where the upper ribs attach to the breastbone (sternum). This area is referred to as the costosternal joint.

Costochondritis causes chest pain that ranges from mild to severe. The condition often goes away within a few weeks, but some cases may require treatment.

Part 2 of 7: Causes

What Causes Costochondritis?
The exact cause of costochondritis in most people is unknown. However, some of the following conditions may cause it:
trauma to the chest, such as blunt impact from a car accident or fall
physical strain from activities, such as heavy lifting and strenuous exercise
certain viruses or respiratory conditions (such as tuberculosis and syphilis) that can cause joint inflammation
certain types of arthritis
tumors in the costosternal joint region

Part 3 of 7: Risk Factors

Who Is at Risk for Costochondritis?

Women and people over age 40 are most commonly diagnosed with costochondritis. You may also be at a higher risk for this condition if you:
participate in high-impact activities
perform manual labor
have allergies and are frequently exposed to irritants

Youre also at increased risk if you have any of the following conditions:
rheumatoid arthritis
ankylosing spondylitis
Reiters syndrome, also known as reactive arthritis

Handling heavy loads in an inefficient way can stress muscles in the chest area. For instance, younger people should be careful lifting heavy schoolbags. Adults should be careful when performing manual labor.

Part 4 of 7: Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of Costochondritis?

People with costochondritis often experience chest pain in the area of the upper and middle ribs on either side of the breastbone. The pain may radiate to the back or the abdomen. It may also get worse if you move, stretch, or breathe deeply.

These symptoms can indicate other medical conditions, including a heart attack. Call your doctor or go to the hospital immediately if youre experience persistent chest pain.

Part 5 of 7: Diagnosis

How Is Costochondritis Diagnosed?

Your doctor will perform a physical exam before making a diagnosis. They may also ask you about your symptoms and your familys medical history. During the physical exam, your doctor will try to assess pain levels by manipulating your rib cage. They may also look for signs of infection or inflammation.

Your doctor might order tests such as X-rays and blood tests to rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.

Part 6 of 7: Treatment

How Is Costochondritis Treated?
There are a few different treatments for costochondritis.

Medications

Most cases of costochondritis are treated with over-the-counter medications. If your pain is mild to moderate, your doctor will probably recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve).

Your doctor may also prescribe:
prescription-strength NSAIDs
other painkillers, such as narcotics
antianxiety medications

Lifestyle Changes

Your doctor may tell you to make permanent changes to your lifestyle if you have persistent or chronic costochondritis. Some types of exercise can aggravate this condition, including running and weightlifting. Manual labor may have a negative effect as well.

Your doctor may also recommend:
bed rest
physical therapy
hot or cold therapy using a heating pad and ice

Your doctor may use pain levels to evaluate how youre responding to treatment. Once treatment is over, you can gradually build up to your previous activity levels.

Part 7 of 7: Outlook

What Is the Long-Term Outlook for People with Costochondritis?

This condition usually isnt persistent. In many cases, costochondritis will go away on its own.

To lower your chances of persistent and chronic costochondritis, make sure to carry and lift heavy loads properly. You should also try doing fewer high-impact exercises or manual labor. Call your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain while performing any of these activities.

Thanks Fantod for the info :)

I have costochodritis too. It flares up and down similar to fibro. Wearing sports bras instead of wired ones tend to help me.

Yeah, or (horrors), no bra at all.

Here's what I have experienced with this weird pain. For me, it hurts all the time, just gets better and worse over time. I often wake up and can't take a breath without it hurting. The best things I have found for this: take a warm shower. I have one of those sprayers with a long hose. I put the water right where it hurts. Helps.
Then, you can alternate that with ice (although it has to hurt REALLY bad for me to take that step...ice on that area can be uncomfortable in itself).
Last, stretching. I stretch every morning before I even get out of bed. If you can carefully twist and turn, back and forth, that can really help, at least it does for me.
It never makes it go away completely though just gets better and less painful to breathe.