Neuralgia refers to pain that occurs in the nerves. Such pain, as a rule, occurs without stimulation of pain receptors. There are many types of neuralgia, one of which is intercostal neuralgia. Her reason – compression of a nerve in the chest, which is accompanied by pain in the intercostal nerves. The intercostal nerves lie between the ribs, and damage to any of these nerves or its malfunction leads to intercostal neuralgia.
Is home treatment effective for intercostal neuralgia, what symptoms indicate the presence of this type of neuralgia – read our article.
- The most common symptoms of intercostal neuralgia
- Intercostal neuralgia: treatment at home and at the doctor
The most common symptoms of intercostal neuralgia
There are many causes of intercostal nerve compression:
- abdominal tissue tear;
- increase in the size of the abdomen;
- formation of scar tissue around the nerve;
- overload of abdominal muscles;
- incorrect curvature of the spine, etc.
- intercostal neuralgia can be caused by a surgical operation performed in the chest area;
- damage or inflammation of the intercostal nerves can result from various diseases;
- pregnancy;
- tumor;
- injuries to the ribs and/or chest;
- infections such as shingles.
If the pain is caused by nerves located in the chest, it is most often the intercostal nerves. They arise from the spinal cord and run under the ribs along the veins and arteries.
The most striking symptom of intercostal neuralgia is pain in the chest area, namely, the ribs. This pain can manifest itself in different ways:
- double-sided;
- cutting;
- acute;
- tearing;
- aching.
Pain in intercostal neuralgia may occur in the chest and radiate from the back of the chest to the front, i.e. encircling pain. Sometimes the pain is felt along the ribs or when breathing, laughing or sneezing. Intercostal neuralgia can manifest as temporary sharp pain or dull, aching constant pain.
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Other symptoms of intercostal neuralgia:
- bilateral pain may radiate to the back;
- rib pain, especially on the left side, can often be confused with heart pain or angina;
- numbness and/or tingling;
- abdominal pain;
- loss of appetite;
- fever;
- pain in arms and/or shoulders.
Intercostal neuralgia: treatment at home and at the doctor
The treatment plan for intercostal neuralgia depends on the cause. In some cases, it can pass on its own, without any intervention.
In the case of frequently recurring intercostal neuralgia, home treatment is not possible, because it becomes necessary to remove the nerve that is causing the pain.
Neuropathic pain medications and capsaicin ointment are used to relieve neuralgic pain. In addition, among the drugs for the treatment of intercostal neuralgia, NSAIDs can be mentioned, which help relieve pain and reduce inflammation, etc.
If the cause of intercostal neuralgia was any disease, it is necessary to treat such a disease.
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In general, treatment of intercostal neuralgia at home is recommended only after consulting a doctor and determining the underlying cause of neuralgia. Depending on the cause of the problem, the doctor prescribes appropriate drugs to relieve pain and / or inflammation, physiotherapy, etc.
In general, with intercostal neuralgia, treatment at home is limited to exposure to heat on the affected area, minimization of movements (bed rest) and anti-inflammatory ointments.
Estet-portal.com reminds that the causes of intercostal neuralgia can be serious, therefore, by self-medicating, you put yourself in great danger!
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