Intercostal Neuralgia Treatment
- Pain Management
- /
- Intercostal Neuralgia
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What is Intercostal Neuralgia?
Intercostal neuralgia is a condition that affects the nerves that run between the ribs and is observed in several patients referred to pain clinics. It is a type of neuropathic pain that occurs when one or more intercostal nerves are damaged or dysfunctional. Intercostal nerves emerge from the spinal cord below the ribs. The damage can result from a range of diseases and disorders. This can result in intermittent periods of intense pain that wraps around the upper chest and feels ripping, sharp, unbearable, or gnawing. Sudden movements, such as laughing or coughing, might aggravate pain.
What Causes Intercostal Neuralgia?
Infection, inflammation, direct trauma, or even some lung or chest wall illnesses can cause nerve injury or dysfunction in the intercostal nerves. However, injuries sustained during thoracic chest surgery are among the most common causes of intercostal neuralgia.
The following are some of the causes of intercostal neuralgia:
- Osteomyelitis (Bone weakening) or rib infection
- Pregnancy expands the ribcage to make room for the foetus
- An injury to the chest or ribs
- Muscles in the chest wall, shoulders, back, or arm have been pulled or strained.
- Degeneration or inflammation of the nerves
- Entrapment of the intercostal nerve
What are the Symptoms of Intercostal Neuralgia?
Characteristic symptom: Sharp, spasm-like pain around the chest, frequently in a band-like pattern that wraps around from the back to the front, with pain appearing on one side of the chest or both. On the other hand, some cases may show as a continuous dull ache. Lifting heavy objects, bending the torso, coughing, sneezing, or laughing are all examples of behaviours that cause pain.
Additional symptoms that may be present with intercostal neuralgia pain include:
- Arm, shoulder, or back pain.
- Tingling and numbness
- Appetite loss
- Confusion, dizziness, or loss of consciousness
- Increased heart rate and palpitations
- Restricted shoulder or back motion
- Pain in the abdomen
- Muscle paralysis
- Coughing that produces yellowish-green phlegm
How is Intercostal Neuralgia Diagnosed?
Physical examination is an important aspect of an intercostal neuralgia diagnosis. Under this, various movements are evaluated to look for the development of pain, which could indicate a likely source. A thorough neurologic examination is also performed to determine the source of discomfort. The tests include:
- Blood test
- Chest X-Ray
- Ultrasound
- Electrocardiogram
- Echocardiogram
- CT/MRI
What is the Treatment of Intercostal Neuralgia?
Intercostal neuralgia is treated differently depending on the underlying reason. However, symptoms usually go away on their own. Because nerve pain can be unpredictable and unpleasant in general, different strategies for helping with the pain might be used. Treatments for intercostal neuralgia include:
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): Helps to relieve pain and inflammation.
- Intercostal nerve block: A local anaesthetic or corticosteroid is used to block the intercostal nerve.
- Selective radiofrequency or cryo nerve ablation: This procedure includes eliminating the exact segment of the nerve that is generating the symptom in individuals who have recurrent intercostal discomfort.
- Epidural injections: These are injections into the nerve root that help to relieve pain.
- Antidepressants are effective in the treatment of nerve pain.
- Capsaicin cream is a commonly used pain reliever.
Home Treatment
Intercostal neuralgia can be treated and managed using home treatments. For example, you can improve blood circulation by applying local hot water compresses to the affected area. Improved blood circulation could help to alleviate discomfort. Physical therapy and massage are two other ways to improve circulation, which help relieve pain. To avoid causing more harm, a trained practitioner should only conduct this type of therapy. Intercostal neuralgia can also be treated at home with exercise. Stretching exercises, such as elevating your arms, are recommended.
It is critical to contact a doctor timely if you’re experiencing symptoms of intercostal neuralgia to avoid further harm.