I have a piercing pain in the upper chest and back, opposite sides. is my rib broken?

Probable spasm: Random sharp chest is probably not a broken rib unless major trauma (it takes a large g-force to break ribs). Sharp chest pain is usually a G.I. (stomach or gallbaldder) or esophagus pain (spasm). The best thing to do is sit up (not lay down) , take an antacid (tums) . Sharp chest pain with breathing can be 'pleurisy'. You may want to get seen to get an exact diagnosis. Hope you are better soon!