6 effective treatments for intercostal neuralgia

One of the most common causes of chest pain is intercostal neuralgia. This is a disease that occurs when the intercostal nerve is irritated or pinched, the main symptom of which is acute pain. As a rule, intercostal neuralgia affects elderly and senile people. This disease also occurs in young people (especially in people leading a sedentary lifestyle, as well as in swimmers) and even sometimes in children (mainly during periods of intensive growth). We will talk about why this pathology develops, what are the clinical manifestations, principles of diagnosis and treatment in our article.

Symptoms of intercostal neuralgia

Intercostal neuralgia - symptoms and treatment at home have their own characteristics. The main symptom is sharp pain.

Signs of neuralgia:

• muscle contraction associated with increased tone;
• burning in the intercostal space;
• tingling or numbness in the heart area;
• increased pain when changing body position;
• inability to take a deep breath;
• increased discomfort when coughing or sneezing.

What is the intercostal nerve

12 pairs of spinal nerves depart from the spinal cord in its thoracic region. They are formed by sensory, motor and sympathetic fibers. Each nerve passes in the intercostal space along the lower edge of the rib below the corresponding intercostal vessel between the external and internal intercostal muscles, which are responsible for exhalation and inhalation. With intercostal neuralgia, pain impulses spread along the nerve fibers to the spinal cord and then to the brain. As a result, the person feels pain.

Causes of pathology

The main causes of neuralgia:

• regular poisoning of the body with alcohol, nicotine, drugs;
• congenital or acquired diabetes mellitus;
• serious infectious disease: influenza, tuberculosis, herpes;
• diseases of the spine: osteochondrosis, scoliosis, intervertebral hernia;
• spinal cord tumors;
• lack of B vitamins;
• chest deformation associated with vitamin D deficiency;
• allergic diseases;
• multiple sclerosis.

Prevention

Preventive measures for intercostal neuralgia consist of following the well-known rules:

• monitor your diet, it should be rational;
• avoid hypothermia of various kinds, stress;
• take care of your health;
• treat internal diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
• ensure correct posture;
• exercise regularly;
• treat infectious diseases at the first manifestations.

Preventive massage using special warming ointments, which improves blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, has also proven itself well.
Trigeminal neuralgia Facial neuritis Herpes zoster Optic nerve atrophy Optic neuritis Dry pleurisy

Diagnostics and specialists

To confirm the diagnosis, you need to contact a neurologist. During the examination, the doctor will use palpation to determine the areas of the affected nerve and prescribe an ECG and ultrasound of the heart to exclude pathologies.

If necessary, the patient will be asked to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine for a more accurate diagnosis and choice of treatment regimen.

Patient complaints or main symptoms of intercostal neuralgia

Intercostal neuralgia has symptoms at first glance similar to diseases of the heart and respiratory system. But if you listen to your feelings more carefully and remember the events preceding the appearance of discomfort in the chest, you can distinguish between these pathologies.

Pain that occurs due to irritation and compression of nerve fibers can be either unilateral or bilateral. More often it has a sharp, shooting character and intensifies when turning, sneezing, coughing or laughing. Even intense gestures can provoke an exacerbation of the condition. Neuralgia forces the patient to take a forced, gentle position - leaning to the affected side and avoiding deep breaths. This allows you to somewhat dull the unpleasant sensations.

The disease is also accompanied by a disturbance, namely increased sensitivity in the zone of innervation of the pinched nerve. Hyperalgesia and hyperesthesia are detected by palpation along the intercostal space.

Also among the symptoms of the pathology are:

• hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, of the affected area of ​​the chest;
• pallor or redness of the skin in the area of ​​innervation of the nerve;
• irradiation of pain into adjacent intercostal spaces, into the interscapular region.

Symptoms and causes in children and adolescents

In young children, intercostal neuralgia can occur as a result of frequent stress in the expectant mother during pregnancy or alcohol consumption, injury during childbirth or prematurity.

Intercostal neuralgia can occur in a child or adolescent with:

• diseases of the spine;
• chronic inflammation of an infectious nature;
• lack of B vitamins in the child’s body;
• weak immunity;
• hypothermia;
• frequent exposure to drafts.

The symptom of intercostal neuralgia is mainly a sharp and tingling pain in the intercostal space - in the case of an acute exacerbation, treatment at home is allowed.

Additional symptoms:

• excessive sweating;
• limb spasms;
• tachycardia;
• periodic numbness of different parts of the child’s body;
• painful sensations when palpating the costal space;
• labored breathing.

Symptoms and signs of the disease

The nerves of the spine have large branches, so when they are damaged, the pain often imitates cardiovascular diseases. For example, there may be unpleasant sensations in the thoracic region on the left, radiating to the scapula. In the treatment of left intercostal neuralgia, unlike heart diseases, sedatives such as Corvalol, Validol help. The frequency of pain attacks is significantly reduced when taking them. Painful sensations may become stronger during turns, inhalations, changes in body position, and sudden movements.

The pain associated with intercostal neuralgia can be dull, sharp, burning, or paroxysmal. It can last from several minutes to several days, and often goes away after sleeping in a comfortable position. In addition, the disease is accompanied by: numbness of the affected areas, muscle tension, cramps, increased sweating, a feeling of “crawling goosebumps” on the skin, sleep disturbance, and tearfulness. Intercostal neuralgia intensifies after exercise or stress.

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Treatment

Treatment of intercostal neuralgia and relief of acute symptoms at home should begin with bed rest on an orthopedic mattress. First, pain is relieved, then basic treatment is prescribed to eliminate the causes of pinched intercostal nerve.

To relieve pain, medications from one of the following groups are prescribed:

• NSAIDs (Rofecoxib, Diclofenac or Meloxicam), which have properties to relieve inflammation and pain;
• sedatives (“Phenibut”, “Novo-Passit” and others);
• agents that restore nerve endings and improve the interaction between them (“Neuromultivit”, “Neurorubin”, “Milgamma”);
• medications that reduce muscle spasticity (Sirdalud, Mydocalm, Tolperil).

A source of dry heat is applied to the pinched area (a natural wool shawl is best).

It is strictly not recommended to use hot heating pads; this can lead to increased pain and increased swelling.

Symptoms of intercostal neuralgia can also be reduced with solutions and ointments that do not have anti-inflammatory components, but contain an anesthetic and reflex substances, for example, Finalgon or Menovazin. For treatment at home, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ointments and gels can be used (their choice is very wide).

Transdermal patch is a new medicinal method for relieving painful symptoms of neuralgia. It is impregnated with an anti-inflammatory and analgesic substance, which, after gluing to the affected area, is slowly absorbed into the tissue and has a healing effect. Such patches include Voltaren and Nanoplast Forte.

Therapeutic massage will help restore the functions of the affected area, reduce swelling and speed up the metabolic process in the muscles near the spine.

The following may also be prescribed:

• physiotherapeutic procedures;
• manual therapy;
• physical therapy classes under the guidance of an instructor;
• acupuncture.

Prognosis and prevention

With a timely diagnosis and adequate treatment of both the intercostal neuralgia itself and the underlying disease, complete recovery is noted.

It is easy to understand that, due to the many causes of the disease, there are no specific methods for its prevention. To reduce the likelihood of its occurrence, you should promptly treat diseases that may result in intercostal neuralgia, as well as avoid stress, avoid excessive physical exertion and hypothermia.

Neuralgia during pregnancy, treatment

Neuralgia in pregnant women requires careful treatment.

In the early stages

In the first trimester, intercostal neuralgia may worsen as a result of hypothermia. During pregnancy, there is always a lack of vitamins, including group B, which can trigger the development of symptoms of a pinched nerve.

While waiting for the baby, nature provides for a decrease in immunity to prevent the uterus from rejecting the fetus, which can also lead to painful sensations in the intercostal space. If before pregnancy a woman had diseases of the spine or troubled the chest organs, then this can also serve as the beginning of the development of the disease.

To reduce pain and relieve muscle tension, a woman is recommended to use dry heat, for example, a woolen shawl. The components of the Vietnamese star will help relieve pain and significantly alleviate the patient’s condition. Medicines are prohibited during this period.

NSAIDs can significantly disrupt the formation of the embryo and provoke severe developmental defects. Paracetamol can be identified among conditionally acceptable drugs.

Second trimester

It is undesirable to treat intercostal neuralgia in the second trimester with medications, since they are harmful to the fetus even at this stage.

It is possible to use the Kuznetsov applicator, which increases local blood flow and normalizes lymph outflow. This method is acceptable at any stage of pregnancy. Acupressure can also help, affecting biological points and having a relaxing effect.

Third trimester

In the last months before birth, the fetus grows rapidly and begins to put pressure on the ribs, which can lead to pinched nerves and painful sensations.

It is recommended to visit the pool - it will help relax muscles and improve blood flow in the body. A warm bath may also help. Physical therapy has a relaxing effect, strengthening the core and preparing the body for childbirth.

At 39-40 weeks, to ensure the possibility of normal pushing during childbirth, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs (diclofenac and meloxicam) that suppress the production of prostaglandins is allowed.

Which doctor should I contact if symptoms appear?

With intercostal neuralgia, differential diagnosis is important. First, you need to consult a therapist to rule out pathologies of the heart, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. If neuralgia is suspected, the patient is referred to a neurologist who collects anamnesis about injuries, stressful situations, and pain in the thoracic region. Before treating intercostal neuralgia, it is necessary to determine the source of pathological changes. If herpetic neuralgia is suspected, they are sent to a dermatologist, who examines the skin.

If soft tissue damage is suspected, they are sent to a surgeon, and sometimes to an orthopedist, to exclude the influence of osteochondrosis and hernias in the thoracic region on the appearance of symptoms.

Idiopathic intercostal neuralgia is associated with insufficient opening of the chest on one side - due to postural characteristics. The diaphragm, the main respiratory muscle, is in spasm on one side, which provokes overstrain of the muscles of inhalation or exhalation. An osteopath or chiropractor who studies the characteristics of posture and muscle tone can deal with such a problem.

Features of therapy in older and elderly patients

Manual therapy is an effective non-drug treatment method. Manipulative and mobilization techniques eliminate excessive tension in joints and muscles, normalize the patient's blood pressure, blood flow and lymph outflow, posture, and the functions of internal organs.

During manual therapy, joints with normally mobile movements are fixed, and other joints that are limited in movement are mobilized.

The procedure is carried out quickly and painlessly while exhaling with complete relaxation and further pre-tension. About 5% of such procedures result in minor injury; in these cases, rest on a bed with a hard surface is indicated. In old age, it is recommended to carry out manual treatment no more than once a day with moderate intensity.

For the treatment of older people, rectal suppositories such as Diclofenac are suitable. Treatment with them is easier and reduces harm to the body. However, drugs in the form of injections have the greatest analgesic effect . After acute pain is relieved, the patient is transferred to oral forms.

Symptoms of neuralgia on the right and left

Chest pain is the main symptom of intercostal neuralgia. When a peripheral nerve is damaged, neuropathic pain occurs, depending on external influences. The pain is described as shooting, burning and deep. Patients complain of changes in sensitivity, attacks and soreness of the skin without affecting it. Patients say that there is pain in the chest, pressure, and fever.

The peculiarities of neuralgic pain are that it is diverse. It can be sharp and piercing, burning or, on the contrary, dull, it occurs constantly or in attacks. Sensory and motor nerves are simultaneously affected, so manifestations include:

• tingling;
• paleness or redness of the skin;
• muscle twitching;
• sweating

Unlike heart pain, symptoms occur on the right side, and not only under the shoulder blade, but also in the area of ​​the collarbone and lumbar region, where the abdominal muscles are located.

Pain with intercostal neuralgia is often one-sided - on the right or left. Nerve damage occurs in 80% of cases after thoracotomy during thoracic artery bypass grafting or tumor excision. The nerve may be damaged during resection of a rib compressed by a retractor, or after it is cut. In old age, when the rib joints are damaged, neuralgia develops without significant injury.

Physiotherapy

To treat neuralgia in the chest area, physiotherapy is sometimes prescribed.

Symptoms of intercostal neuralgia with pain and burning in the heart area require outpatient therapy and further treatment at home.

Its methods include:

• The electric current of the Darsonval apparatus , characterized by high frequency and voltage, low strength, and rapid attenuation. For darsonvalization, a glass tube is used in which electrical discharges are created, with its help the painful area is massaged, the patient feels a tingling sensation and a crackling sound is heard. Redness of the skin is noted, blood flow in small vessels increases, and the body’s protective functions are activated. The procedures last from 5 to 10 minutes, a total of 10 sessions are required;
• Electrophoresis is a method that involves administering drugs through the skin using an electric current. As a rule, “Analgin”, which has an analgesic effect, or “Novocain” is used. Electrodes are placed on the affected surface: one with a positive charge and the other with a negative charge. Under the electrodes there is a cloth moistened with a drug solution. The patient feels a slight tingling sensation. The duration of the session is about 5 minutes, the course consists of 10 procedures;
• Quantum therapy helps relieve inflammation, reduce allergic reactions, and increase the protective functions of affected tissues. The action of the laser beam is carried out at the places where the nerves exit the holes between the vertebrae. The effect lasts up to 10 minutes, up to 15 procedures are performed in total;
• Ultra-high frequency electric field - UHF therapy, which increases blood flow, dilates capillaries and small arteries, reduces the effect of toxic substances on tissue and inhibits parasites. During the procedure, the patient lies on a hard surface, and plates that generate ultra-high frequency electric currents are placed on his body. The patient feels warmth at the site where the plates are applied. The procedure lasts up to 10 minutes, up to 15 sessions in total;
• Magnetic waves , stimulating tissue regeneration processes, reducing pain. Duration of exposure is about 30 minutes, up to 20 procedures are recommended.

Therapeutic massage and manual therapy

In addition to standard drug treatment for intercostal neuralgia, doctors recommend taking a course of massage. This can be acupressure or general massage to improve blood circulation, stable conduction of nerve impulses and relieve discomfort. The massage therapist acts on biologically active areas, relaxes the nerve fibers. It is advisable to undergo 10-12 massage sessions.

An experienced chiropractor, after the massage therapist, consolidates the therapeutic result of the treatment. It stabilizes the position of the vertebrae and ribs. Restores the spaces between bone and muscle structures, releases pinched nerve endings, and prevents serious complications. For lasting results, 10-15 sessions with a chiropractor are required.

Treatment at home with pharmaceutical preparations

In the first 3-5 days of treatment, it is recommended to take NSAIDs and analgesics. If the pain is very painful, the doctor injects Novocaine or Lidocaine into the pinched area. To treat inflammation, you can use injections, which are more effective and cause less damage to the liver than tablets.

"Meloxicam"

Meloxicam (Movalis) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain reliever. Available in the form of injections, tablets and suppositories. The medicine has a selective effect, protects the gastric mucosa, minimizes the risk of developing ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract.

"Diclofenac"

"Diclofenac" ("Voltaren") - is available in the form of tablets containing:

• diclofenac sodium;
• lactose;
• corn starch;
• magnesium stearate;
• talc;
• iron oxide yellow;
• colloidal silicon dioxide, etc., injection solutions and suppositories.

The action is based on suppressing the synthesis of prostaglandins, which stimulate inflammatory processes, by inhibiting their synthesis. Reduces swelling and eliminates pain.

"Naproxen"

Naproxen has antipyretic, antiplatelet, and analgesic effects. Reduces inflammation, helps reduce prostaglandin synthesis. Pain and swelling are reduced. The main active ingredient is naproxen sodium. Available in the form of suppositories and tablets.

Analogues of Naproxen:

• "Algesir Ultra";
• "Apranax";
• "Pronaxen".

"Ibuprofen"

The drug is available in the form of capsules with white or white-yellow powder. The main substance is ibuprofen, additionally the composition contains croscarmellose sodium, talc, magnesium stearate, aerosil. Reduces the number of platelets, inhibits the enzyme arachidonic acid metabolism , which is necessary for the production of prostaglandins.

Taking B vitamins

B vitamins effectively normalize nerve conduction and prevent relapses of neuralgia.

Complex preparations contain high dosages of the most important representatives of the group, which allows you to quickly fill the deficiency in the body. Excess amounts contribute to the rapid elimination of exacerbations of chronic diseases of the nervous system.

Diagnostics

The primary diagnosis of intercostal neuralgia is carried out on the basis of complaints and anamnesis, as well as an objective examination of the patient. Often the data obtained is sufficient to diagnose the disease. In complex diagnostic cases, as well as for the purpose of differential diagnosis with other pathologies that have similar manifestations, an additional examination is carried out, which, depending on the indications, includes:

• magnetic resonance and computed tomography (to exclude neoplasms, hernia);
• X-ray examination of the chest and spine in direct, lateral and oblique projections;
• electroneurography (if the consequences of injuries are suspected);
• electrocardiography (to exclude diseases of the cardiovascular system);
• ultrasonography;
• contrasting discography;
• gastroscopy (to exclude pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract);
• general and biochemical blood test;
• general urine analysis;
• serological blood test; etc.

The information content of computed tomography increases when performed in conjunction with an X-ray contrast examination of the spinal cord cerebrospinal fluid tract (myelography).

In some cases, intercostal neuralgia indicates the presence of other diseases, for example, neoplasms of the spinal cord or chest organs, pleurisy.

It is possible to identify pathology at an early stage, as well as monitor the effectiveness of treatment using electrospondylography. The method allows you to assess the condition of the spine and determine the extent of damage.

Differential diagnosis of intercostal neuralgia with other diseases is necessary:

• cardiovascular pathologies (angina pectoris, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction);
• intervertebral hernia;
• thoracic radiculitis;
• pleurisy;
• lung cancer and other chest tumors;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, acute pancreatitis, gastric ulcer);
• atypical pneumonia;
• renal colic; and etc.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine offers a wide selection of affordable and effective remedies.

Infusions for oral administration

Recipes:

• Finely chop the willow bark and boil it covered for 20 minutes, cool and strain. Take 1 tablespoon orally 3 times a day;
• Mix 100 g of alcohol with 10 g of common thyme herb, the solution will be ready in a day. Take 15 drops orally in moments of pain, but not more than 3 times a day;
• Mix half a liter of honey with 0.5 kg of lemons along with seeds and peels, after finely chopping them. Add 40 g of apricot kernels to the mixture and mix everything. Take 2 teaspoons for a month and a half.

Compresses

Recipes:

• Place several fresh leaves of indoor geranium on a linen cloth and apply as a compress to the sore spot, cover with something warm on top for 2 hours. Repeat every day at intervals of 2-4 hours;
• Pour a tablespoon of pharmaceutical garlic oil into half a liter of vodka and mix well. Apply to affected areas up to 3 times a day;
• Boil lilac buds until a thick decoction is obtained, combine with fresh pork fat, and rub into painful areas as needed. Store the prepared solution in the refrigerator;
• Moisten a cloth of natural composition with valerian tincture, apply it to the affected area and wrap the patient warmly. Leave for several hours, but not overnight;
• Grate fresh potatoes and onions in a 1:1 ratio, apply to the area that is bothering you until completely dry.

Warm baths

Instructions:

• Before going to bed, take a warm bath with a decoction of valerian roots. To do this, add 100-200 g of valerian infusion to a bath with a water temperature of no more than 39 degrees;
• For every liter of water add 3 g of salt, duration – up to 15 minutes;
• Infuse 5 tablespoons of sage in 2-3 glasses of boiling water for an hour, take a bath for up to 15 minutes;
• Add 5 drops of eucalyptus, lavender and mint oils dissolved in the base oil to the bath. Take up to 10 minutes.

Differential diagnosis with other serious diseases

The signs of intercostal neuralgia are not strictly specific and pronounced, so it is often mistaken for a mask of heart or pulmonary diseases. In this case, it is extremely important to conduct competent differential diagnostics, which will allow timely identification of life-threatening conditions: myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, aortic aneurysm dissection, etc.

Heart diseases

Patients often ignore heart disease, believing that these are manifestations of neuralgia, and do not rush to see a doctor. Any delay in this case can lead to catastrophic consequences.

Diseases of the cardiovascular system are almost always accompanied by hemodynamic disturbances: changes in blood pressure and pulse. What does not happen with damage to the intercostal nerves.

Also, discomfort during a heart attack or angina pectoris will not be affected in any way by changing posture or searching for a gentle body position. And deep breathing or coughing will not increase the already severe pain syndrome. To try to understand the genesis of this condition, you can take Nitroglycerin or Corvalol. If the sensations do not change, then in 95% of cases the cause of the pathology is damage to the nerve fibers.

There is no need to risk your health and engage in self-diagnosis. If you experience intense chest pain, you should immediately seek medical help.

Pleurisy

A common diagnostic error is the overdiagnosis of pleurisy, which is an inflammatory disease of the “film” that covers the lungs and chest walls. The symptoms are very similar to intercostal neuralgia: the pain also intensifies with movements and deep breathing. But the pathology is accompanied by a dry cough, fever, body aches, and a general deterioration in health.

In order to differentiate nosologies, it is necessary to perform a survey radiography of the chest in two projections. The resulting darkening will indicate an inflammatory process. Percussion and auscultation also help in diagnosis. In the first case, a slight dullness of the pulmonary sound occurs, and in the second, a specific rustling or creaking friction noise of the pleura is heard.

Exacerbation of pancreatitis or cholecystitis

Neuralgia, localized in the lowest intercostal spaces, can imitate diseases of the digestive system, in particular cholecystitis and pancreatitis. But unlike it, these pathologies are accompanied by dyspeptic symptoms: stool disorders (diarrhea), nausea, vomiting, increased body temperature, and flatulence.

Specific signs will be pain at the projection points: Kehr’s symptom, Murphy’s, Ortner-Grekov’s (for cholecystitis), Desjardins’, Mayo-Robson’s (for pancreatitis), etc. A biochemical and clinical blood test, as well as an ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs and retroperitoneal space, will help clarify the diagnosis.

Painkillers for neuralgia

If internal injections are not possible, painkillers can be used:

• "Melox Forte" - used for severe pain, this is a long-lasting remedy. Used once a day;
• “Spazmalgon” – has antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects, reduces pain. Causes relaxation of smooth muscles;
• "Spazgan" is an antispasmodic with an analgesic effect. Inhibits the production of prostaglandins and has an analgesic effect;
• "Analgin" - metamizole sodium. Has an analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins;
• "Baralgin" is an antipyretic-analgesic, a pyrazolone derivative. Relieves heat and inflammation.

Causes of intercostal neuralgia and risk factors

The most common causes of neuralgia of the intercostal nerves are:

• osteochondrosis, spondylitis, ankylosing spondylitis and other diseases of the thoracic spine;
• tumors of the thoracic spinal cord;
• excessive physical activity;
• sudden unsuccessful movement;
• chest injury;
• forced awkward body position;
• general hypothermia of the body, hypothermia of the chest and back;
• pathologies of the upper gastrointestinal tract;
• herpetic infection.

In women, intercostal neuralgia can be caused by wearing tight underwear, as well as being underweight. In children and adolescents, intercostal neuralgia can occur during a period of intensive growth of the bone skeleton.

Intercostal neuralgia can occur due to excessive physical activity

The contributing factors are:

• metabolic disorders (diabetes mellitus);
• age-related changes in blood vessels;
• immunodeficiency;
• diseases of the nervous system;
• infectious and inflammatory diseases;
• intoxication of the body;
• uncomfortable workplace.

Physical exercises to prevent intercostal neuralgia

Treatment of intercostal neuralgia can be supplemented with physical exercises at home, except in cases where the symptoms are severe and at the stage of acute exacerbation.

Before exercise, it is recommended to undergo a professional massage to prepare the muscles.

If there is no pain, the following exercises are recommended:

• Tilts to the left and right with a smooth rise of straight arms to the sides. At the end of the exercise, the arms and body should form a 90-degree angle;
• Shallow squats with mandatory posture control;
• Sit on a large ball for gymnastic exercises, find balance and clasp your hands behind your head in a lock, bend back as much as possible;
• While kneeling, place your palms on the floor at chest level. Putting your hand behind your back, inhale and turn your body to the right. The hand should be lowered as you exhale. Do the exercise similarly for the left side;
• As you inhale, bring your hands together with the weight at chest level;
• In a sitting position, lean forward and raise your hands clasped behind your back as much as possible.

Treatment of intercostal neuralgia at home is possible by observing bed rest and limiting physical activity in the first days of acute symptoms.

Proper and timely treatment will quickly relieve pain and relieve inflammation. Prevention exercises will help strengthen the muscles of the thoracic region so that exacerbation of neuralgia does not occur again.

Disease prevention

People think about preventing attacks in case of a recurrent form of neuralgia, which is associated with postural characteristics. The goal of prevention is to increase thoracic mobility:

1. Wrap the chest with a towel, inhale with resistance and open the ribs to the side for 5-10 minutes a day.
2. Use gymnastics with arm swings and torso turns, simulating walking, to improve the mobility of the rotational vertebrae of the thoracic region.
3. Avoid moving your head forward or propping your cheek with your fist - all this causes an imbalance in the tone of the cervical muscles.

You can prevent the occurrence of intercostal neuralgia and neuritis, as its manifestations, by:

• avoiding hypothermia and colds;
• promptly treat inflammatory diseases of adjacent organs and tissues.

Smoking promotes inflammation and injures the capillaries with each breath, causing tension in the lining of the lung. The result is a spasm of the respiratory muscles. You should not use compression wraps or corsets if there is spasm of the intercostal muscles, as this makes it difficult for the chest to move.

Ointments, gels, creams for the treatment of intercostal neuralgia on the left side

Ointments relieve numbness, pain, swelling, and inflammation due to intercostal neuralgia. They improve metabolic processes in tissues, thereby increasing blood circulation and enriching cells with oxygen. Against this background, the skin acquires a healthy shade, pallor or, on the contrary, redness disappears.

Ketonal

Price – 480 rubles. The cream relieves inflammation and relieves pain, includes ketoprofen as a fundamental compound. Relaxes muscles that compress nerve fibers. Does not negatively affect cartilage tissue. The drug is considered the most powerful among analogues, has anti-edematous and analgesic properties.

Nise

Price – 320 rubles. A new generation non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug is prescribed for intercostal neuralgia. If the symptoms and treatment are correctly compared, and cardiac pathologies are excluded, the affected areas on the left side are rubbed with the product. Other areas such as the lower back or chest are also treated. The medicine combats severe swelling and is prescribed for unbearable pain.

Indomethacin

Price – 90 rubles. Cheap NSAID with antipyretic and analgesic activity. Prevents the formation of inflammation and rapid resorption of the developing process, prevents platelets from sticking together. Combats the main symptoms of neuralgia and diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system. Shows good results in acute attacks when the pain syndrome cannot be treated.

Finalgon

Price – 360 rubles. Successful therapy for intercostal neuralgia can be carried out if the symptoms and treatment are compared by a doctor. Regular use of Finalgon will eliminate pinched nerve fibers that have occurred on the left side. The active components of the product quickly penetrate the muscle structure, relieving pain. The positive effect is achieved by improving microcirculation and blood flow to the affected area.

Capsicam

Price – 420 rubles. The ointment has a pronounced warming and analgesic effect. When applying the product to the diseased area, the blood vessels dilate and blood flow increases. Due to the release of nerve endings, the active components quickly improve well-being.

Viprosal

Price – 360 rubles. Warming ointment is based on herbal ingredients. The drug has a local irritant effect. Against this background, the pain syndrome subsides. The vessels dilate, increasing blood flow to the inflamed area. In rare cases, the product causes an allergic reaction.

Fastum gel

Price – 270 rubles. The popular drug is in great demand due to its pronounced analgesic effect. The product has warming and anti-inflammatory activity. During use, unpleasant sensations affecting muscle and nerve fibers disappear. The gel eliminates swelling and stiffness.

Apizartron

Price – 370 rubles. If intercostal neuralgia has developed, it is important to identify symptoms and treatment in a timely manner. An ointment based on bee venom quickly relieves inflammation and pain, which are localized on the left side. After application, the drug gives a warming effect, reduces muscle tone, and improves blood circulation.

Nicoflex

Price – 340 rubles. In medical practice, medicine is prescribed if ligaments, tendons, and muscles are damaged. The components of the ointment cope with intercostal neuralgia and arthrosis. The product should not be used if there is an acute form of rhinitis against the background of the main problem.

Therapeutic baths

A decoction of young aspen bark is used for a medicinal bath.

1. Young thin branches of aspen or poplar (0.5 kg) are poured with water and boiled for half an hour.
2. Then they insist for the same time.
3. The resulting decoction is added to bath water (water temperature approximately 40 degrees).
4. Take a bath for 10-15 minutes.

After the procedure, you can rub the sore spot with fir oil.

Sage bath

Prepared from a glass of infusion and half a glass of sea salt. Sage infusion is made as follows: 4 tbsp. l. the herbs are poured with hot water and infused for an hour. A sage bath takes no more than 10 minutes, the entire course is 10 procedures.

Milk-honey bath with essential oil

Prepared with a quarter glass of milk with lavender or eucalyptus oil (5 drops). If desired, you can add a tablespoon of honey or replace the milk completely. The milk-honey mixture is poured into a bath with warm (not hot) water, and the procedure is repeated every other day. After taking a bath, you should not rinse with clean water, this will increase the healing effect and is simply good for the skin.

Elderly people and those who suffer from certain diseases (for example, heart problems) should consult a doctor before using baths - these procedures put a lot of stress on the body, and instead of the expected benefits, they can cause harm.

It’s sad, but often the cause of intercostal neuralgia is age. Time cannot be stopped or rewinded, so take care of yourself and take care of your spine. Follow the well-known rules - a little movement, a little self-control and food restrictions, a positive attitude - and live happily ever after.

How to distinguish intercostal neuralgia from heart pathologies?

It is quite simple to distinguish intercostal neuralgia from other diseases, but to do this you need to know the nature, location and intensity of the pain syndrome. One of the important differences is that with neuralgia, pain in the chest area can continue for a long time and intensify with any movement. For heart disease, chest pain can be relieved with medications (nitroglycerin) 5 to 10 minutes after its use. Pathologies of the cardiovascular system are not characterized by increased pain during movement, which is observed with neuralgia. Pain in the heart is accompanied by changes in blood pressure, and the rhythm of the pulse is disrupted. With intercostal neuralgia, blood pressure and pulse are normal. The only thing that can provoke their increase is strong worries about one’s health. It is not uncommon for neuralgic pain to radiate to the lumbar region and remind a person of attacks of renal colic. If you doubt or suspect that paroxysmal pain is associated with other diseases, you should seek help from a doctor as soon as possible and do not delay treatment. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the easier treatment will be.

Treatment at the initial stage

At the initial stage, medications and physical therapy are used to prevent the development of complications and eliminate discomfort.

Ointments for neuralgia

Table - effective ointments for the treatment of intercostal neuralgia

Drug name	Action provided	Features of application
Voltaren	The drug contains diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The medication quickly eliminates pain and inflammation. The maximum effect from the use of Voltaren is achieved when taken together with NSAID tablets.	The ointment is applied to the affected area 4 times a day.
Ketonal	It has a powerful analgesic effect, which is achieved due to the ketoprofen included in the composition. The medication also copes well with the inflammatory process.	Apply the ointment 2 times a day.
Viprosal	The ointment contains snake venom, camphor and turpentine. The action of the drug is aimed at accelerating blood circulation at the site of pain and restoring damaged nerve endings.	Apply 2 times a day.
Apisatron	A preparation based on bee venom. Quickly relieves pain, accelerates the process of eliminating toxins and normalizes metabolic processes. After applying the ointment, redness and burning may occur, but this is a normal process.	Apply 2-3 times a day.
Finalgon	The medication has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. The composition contains butoxyethyl alcohol and vanillylnonamide.	The ointment is applied 3 times a day.
Menovazin	The ointment has cooling properties, which quickly eliminates pain. Ingredients: procaine, menthol, benzocaine.	Apply 3 times a day.

Acupressure for neuralgia

When treating intercostal neuralgia, massage of two zones is indicated: the back and chest. The procedure begins with working on the healthy side with a smooth transition to the affected area. You need to massage your back intensively, without provoking increased pain. The course includes 8-10 sessions, each lasting 30-40 minutes.

During the massage, blood circulation in the tissues is activated, and there is a positive effect on the vertebral structures - the diameter of the hole through which the affected nerve passes begins to expand, and the pain goes away.

Fig. 1 - how compression occurs

Almagic treatment

This is one of the methods of physiotherapy that involves the use of a special apparatus. Before proceeding with the procedure, it is recommended to wipe Almag with a gauze cloth soaked in a disinfectant solution (intended for plastics).

After this, you can begin the procedure itself:

1. A course of Almag therapy includes 10-20 sessions, it all depends on the severity of the pathological process.
2. Treatment procedures should be carried out after meals - during the day or in the evening. To do this, the patient must lie down and relax. A chain of coils is laid out along the affected nerve and left for 10 minutes.
3. The interval between sessions is 8 hours. Each time you can add 1 minute to bring the time to 20-30 minutes.
4. If the disease is chronic, then the course should be repeated every 2-3 months.

Products for external use

If the signs of intercostal neuralgia are severe and the symptoms do not go away for a long time, treatment should be supplemented with folk remedies for external use, which can be prepared at home. They have a lot of advantages:

• applied directly to the damaged area;
• are quickly absorbed and have the desired effect;
• are not destroyed by the liver, as when taken orally.

Ointments for the treatment of intercostal neuralgia at home

Pharmacy medications are an integral part of home therapy. The most common cause of pain is a pinched nerve; it exits on the sides of the spine and runs along the lower edge of the rib.

To relieve symptoms, analgesics in the form of ointments are needed; they also relieve local inflammation and eliminate swelling:

1. Nise is a popular anti-inflammatory drug. The gel is applied to the skin in a thin layer and rubbed in in a circular motion. This treatment is carried out 3-4 times a day.
2. Dolgit is an analgesic that can be used for intercostal neuralgia. The cream is applied to the sides of the spine 2-3 times a day.
3. Bystrumgel - recommended for severe attacks of pain, rubbed into the skin with massage movements. Treatment is repeated every 3-4 hours until the pain disappears.
4. Viprosal is a warming ointment prescribed for long-term treatment of intercostal neuralgia at home. The contents of the tube are squeezed onto the skin and rubbed in until completely dry.

Ointments will not help cure intercostal neuralgia; they are an “ambulance” for severe pain. It is recommended to rub them in at the exit point of the nerve - that is, on the sides of the spine; applying them to the chest is useless.

Plasters for the treatment of intercostal neuralgia at home

A good alternative to ointments in the treatment of intercostal neuralgia is the use of patches that contain analgesic components. They stick to the skin of problem areas, the active substances penetrate local tissues and have an analgesic effect.

The most popular pain relief patches:

• Diclofenac;
• Ketotol;
• Voltaren.

The patch is applied to clean skin (preferably without hair) to the right or left of the spine, depending on the severity of intercostal neuralgia. You can wear it for several days.

Iodine in the treatment of intercostal neuralgia at home

Photo from spisa.ru The healing properties of iodine as a folk remedy for intercostal neuralgia have been known for a long time. It improves blood circulation in the affected area, which relieves muscle spasms and eliminates compression of the spinal roots. This treatment should be performed regularly, the first results are observed 5-7 days after its start.

At home, iodine treatment is carried out in two ways:

1. Iodine mesh - done at night, applied to the sides of the vertebrae, the size of the cells should be 2-3 cm². After the manipulations, it is recommended to lie down for 20-30 minutes or cover the treatment area with gauze and adhesive tape.
2. A mixture of iodine and glycerin - the components are mixed in equal proportions and applied according to the standard scheme. You can combine treatments with a light massage.

Cupping for the treatment of intercostal neuralgia at home

One of the popular methods of treating intercostal neuralgia with folk remedies is cupping massage. To carry it out, special jars are used that are tightly suctioned to the skin under the influence of a vacuum. This provides:

• expansion of subcutaneous capillaries;
• blood flow;
• muscle relaxation;
• reduction of back discomfort.

When choosing cans, take into account the characteristics of the material from which they are made. The most suitable option is silicone or rubber; they easily adhere to the skin and do not need to be heated with a flame.

During the massage you should adhere to the following rules:

• To facilitate sliding, special oil is used;
• movements are directed from bottom to top along the sides of the vertebrae, then parallel to the ribs to the sides - circular or straight;
• to remove the jar, you need to tilt it to the side and pull it back - this does not injure the superficial vessels.

The total procedure time should be 10-15 minutes. Sessions are carried out 2-3 times a week, the course of home treatment is 1.5-2 months.

Compresses for the treatment of intercostal neuralgia at home

You can supplement therapy at home with compresses that will eliminate symptoms and muscle tension. In order not to provoke a cold or burn, first wrap the skin with a warm cloth, then begin treatment.

Traditional recipes for making compresses:

1. Place ice cubes in a plastic bag and apply through the insulation to the problem area for 3-5 minutes. You should not overuse this treatment to avoid catching a cold.
2. A good folk remedy is a warm heating pad, which is applied to the previously insulated area of ​​the back before going to bed.
3. Cold compress of herbs - at home they are treated with St. John's wort, chamomile, calendula, nettle and burdock. The ingredients can be taken separately or together, placed on gauze and applied directly to the body.
4. Vegetable compress - cut raw potatoes, beets or coarsely chop cabbage into slices, put in the refrigerator for 5 minutes. Apply to skin for an hour before bedtime.

If you have neuralgia, it is strictly forbidden to heat the affected area! This will only increase inflammation and pain and can lead to serious complications!

Rubbing for the treatment of intercostal neuralgia at home

Treatment with folk remedies based on rubbing relieves the symptoms of intercostal neuralgia due to the penetration of active substances through the skin. Medicines are applied with massage movements and activate local blood circulation, eliminating nerve compression.

Folk remedies for preparing rubs at home:

1. Pour a handful of lilac flowers with alcohol and leave for 3 days. Rub into skin 2-3 times a day.
2. Mix half a glass of wormwood flowers with 500 ml of boiling water and leave in an airtight container for 3 hours. Strain and use as directed.
3. Place a teaspoon of pepper and the same volume of fresh honey in a glass of vegetable oil. Mix thoroughly and rub into problem areas morning and evening.

Baths for the treatment of intercostal neuralgia at home

You can fight intercostal neuralgia at home with medicinal baths. It is recommended to carry out water procedures 3-4 times a week, alternating treatment with other folk remedies:

1. Pine bath - an armful of branches is placed in a container with boiling water, simmer for 3-5 minutes. Cool to the desired temperature and add to the total mass of water.
2. Herbal bath - you will need plantain, St. John's wort, calendula, chamomile or yarrow. It is advisable to add all the ingredients at once, but you can also add them separately. The cooking recipe is similar to the previous one.
3. You can treat yourself at home with sea salt baths. Two handfuls of the mineral are thoroughly dissolved in water, and pine needles or herbs are added if desired.

It is better to heat the water to room temperature, the average ablution time is 15-20 minutes. After the bath, you can do a compress, cupping massage or rubbing.

Drug therapy

It is quite possible to cure chest neuralgia; the most important thing is to choose the right means for therapy and strictly follow all the doctor’s recommendations. The patient is indicated for use of drugs from the following groups:

• anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs;
• sedatives;
• muscle relaxants;
• B vitamins.

Muscle relaxants significantly reduce the intensity of muscle spasms.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include Meloxicam, Rofecoxib, Diclofenac. They help eliminate pain and also have a good anti-inflammatory effect not only on the affected nerve, but also on the surrounding area.

Muscle relaxants significantly reduce the intensity of muscle spasms. Such drugs include Mydocalm, Sirdalud, Tolperil. In addition, you additionally need to take medications that calm the nervous system. It is best if they have a plant base, in particular, such as Novo-Passit, Persen and others.

B vitamins help restore damaged muscle fibers, while significantly improving the passage of impulses between them.

Local therapy

Neuralgia at home can be effectively treated with dry heat applied to the affected area. However, this should be a source of indirect heat, so you can use a warm woolen scarf or blanket. Warming the affected area is strictly prohibited, as this can only aggravate the patient’s condition.

Dolobene gel helps quickly and effectively eliminate inflammation

In addition, you can use various kinds of gels and ointments with a warming effect, in particular drugs such as Dolobene, Fastum-gel, DIP-Relief and many others. They help quickly and effectively eliminate existing inflammation.

A relatively new, but quite effective form for treating neuralgia is transdermal patches, which are impregnated with anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents. After gluing such a patch, the active substances immediately act on the affected nerve. Among such patches, it is worth highlighting Voltaren.

Symptoms and diagnostic features

External signs of thoracalgia on the left side:

• sharp pain on the left and in the lumbar region;
• discomfort in the spine area;
• increased pain during physical activity, sneezing and coughing;
• reduction of discomfort in a fixed position;
• muscle tension and spasms;
• tingling and burning sensation;
• discomfort when palpating the space between the ribs and vertebrae;
• numbness and decreased sensitivity of the skin on the left;
• dizziness, fainting;
• sudden changes in blood pressure;
• redness or paleness of the skin in the area of ​​pain;
• increased sweating;
• difficulty breathing deeply.

Manifestations of intercostal neuralgia are often similar to symptoms of other ailments. Thoracalgia can be confused with angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, cholecystitis, pleurisy and other disorders of the heart and internal organs .

The main differences between neuralgia and pathologies of the heart muscle:

Symptoms of thoracalgia	Symptoms of heart disorders
Pain increases when changing position, coughing, sneezing or taking a deep breath	The pain is throbbing and does not get worse during mobility. They may be accompanied by an irregular pulse, an increase or decrease in blood pressure
The pain is persistent and long-lasting	Pain syndrome occurs after strong emotions, anxiety, fatigue and is short-term
Painkillers and heat help relieve pain	Nitroglycerin helps eliminate malaise

Methods used to identify left-sided thoracalgia:

• An examination by a specialist is the initial stage of diagnosis if neuralgia is suspected. If necessary, the doctor may order laboratory tests.
• Ultrasound examination - used to determine the condition of the internal organs and soft tissues of the spinal column.
• Radiography is a technique that provides information about the structure of bones and allows one to identify the presence of traumatic changes, bone displacement, osteophytes and other deformations.
• Computed tomography is a more informative way to obtain information about the structure of the nerve roots and spinal cord of the spine.
• Magnetic resonance imaging is a safe and highly informative method that provides information about changes in nerve, connective and muscle tissues, and intervertebral discs.

Clinical guidelines for treatment during exacerbations

During an exacerbation, it is very important to alleviate the patient’s condition, so doctors prescribe medications in the form of tablets and injections, as well as proven methods of traditional medicine.

Injections for neuralgia

All injections for neuralgia can be divided into several groups: vitamins, painkillers, NSAIDs and multivitamins.

Painkillers

Indicated for severe and frequent pain. Effective drugs for injection:

• Ketonal.
• Ketorol.
• Analgin.

The injections do an excellent job of relieving pain, but not for long (4 hours). The course of therapy will be 5-10 sessions. It is not recommended to use injections for longer, as this can lead to the development of ulcers, gastric colitis and gastritis.

Vitamins

During an exacerbation of the pathology, injections with vitamin B must be prescribed. A drug containing vitamins B1, B6, B12 is injected into the muscle.

NSAID group

This group includes the following drugs: Diclofenac, Ketonal, Ortofen. These drugs quickly relieve inflammation and pain.

Multivitamins

Milgamma and Compositum are prescribed. The peculiarity of these medications is their long-term use - up to 3 weeks. The drug is first injected into the muscle, and then the patient is transferred to tablets.

Antispasmodics

With pathology, the muscle tissue that is located near the damaged nerve fibers spasms, and their tone increases. You won’t be able to get rid of pain without antispasmodics, so doctors prescribe the following medications:

• Besalol;
• Halidor;
• No-spy;
• Papazol.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

The treatment for intercostal neuralgia will necessarily include anti-inflammatory drugs. They quickly eliminate unpleasant symptoms and the inflammatory process.

Home remedies for treating the disorder

Any treatment at home should be coordinated with the attending physician so that it does not lead to an exacerbation and deterioration of the patient’s condition.

Therapeutic baths

Dry heat

To relieve pain, it is recommended to apply a heating pad, a patch with pepper powder or heated sand to the sore spot. Dry heat does not provoke an exacerbation and at the same time quickly relieves the inflammatory process. It is recommended to warm the sore spot no more than twice a day for 5-10 minutes.

Dry heat helps quickly relieve inflammation

Glycerin and iodine

It is necessary to mix two active substances in equal proportions. A glass bottle or jar with tinted glass is best suited for this. After mixing, you need to moisten the swab and wipe the entire back area, avoiding the spine. The procedure is repeated every other day. The recommended course of therapy is two weeks without taking into account breaks.

Radish and horseradish

Freshly squeezed juices from the products should be mixed in equal proportions. They moisten a tampon and rub it well into the sore spot 2-3 times a day. The duration of treatment depends on the patient's condition, but no more than two weeks. Juices have a warming and analgesic effect. For a milder effect, juices can be mixed with a small amount of Vaseline. To enhance the result, add a few milliliters of turpentine to the product. In this case, the number of applications is reduced to two per day.

After 40 years, constant prevention of intercostal neuralgia is required

Pepper patch

You can buy it at the pharmacy or make it yourself. To do this, sprinkle a little red or black pepper powder on the patch. The fabric is glued to the sore spot, the back is first wiped with alcohol and dried. Use this treatment until a burning sensation appears daily. The course of therapy is no more than two weeks. The patch should be used carefully to prevent burns.

Banks

For treatment, special jars are used, which can be purchased at pharmacies. The device should be as dry as possible; to secure it, the base is lightly calcined and immediately attached to the skin. The jars must be placed strictly according to the pattern - along the surface of the back, avoiding the spine, and on the sacrum. The procedure is carried out daily for 10 days.

Process of placing cans

Flax seeds

10-20 g of flaxseeds should be brewed with 250 ml of boiling water and left for five minutes. After steaming, the seeds are lightly squeezed, wrapped in gauze and applied to the area of ​​the affected root or muscle for 5-10 minutes. Warming up the affected area is required daily for 5-10 days.

Egg

The product must be completely boiled and rolled over the sore spot when pain occurs. It is also possible to cut the egg into two parts while it is still hot and wrap it in cloth and apply it to the sore spot until it cools completely. This treatment can be repeated 1-2 times a day until the symptoms of the disorder completely disappear.

In severe cases, pain radiates throughout the body

Attention! Self-prepared medications can cause an acute allergic reaction. To prevent its occurrence, it is important to exclude any intolerance to the components used.

Causes of neuralgia

The most common cause of the disease is osteochondrosis. This disease causes compression of the nerve roots in the intervertebral discs.

Hypothermia, working in an uncomfortable position, draft, colds, neurological diseases, diseases of internal organs, intoxication - all this can also provoke the appearance of intercostal neuralgia. The causes of the syndrome may also lie in damage to the nerve sheaths (demyelination). It is possible that intercostal neuralgia may occur as a result of rib fractures and spinal injuries. In children, neuralgia may be associated with birth injuries or disorders in the formation of the skeleton.

Among the infectious causes of intercostal neuralgia, herpes zoster is in first place in terms of prevalence. Neuralgia can also be caused by diseases such as tuberculosis and influenza.

Factors contributing to neuralgia:

• diabetes
• age-related vascular diseases
• lack of immunity
• deficiency of vitamins, primarily group B
• hypertension
• hormonal changes

In most cases, the immediate cause of intercostal neuralgia is muscle spasm, which leads to compression of the nerves.

Symptoms

The pain syndrome with intercostal neuralgia is intense, long-lasting, and does not go away. It causes a burning sensation.

Due to the similarity of symptoms, intercostal neuralgia is often mistaken for other pathologies. When diagnosing, the doctor, by comparing the distinctive signs, differentiates thoracic radiculitis from: ulcers, pancreatitis, pleurisy, atypical pneumonia, cardiovascular diseases.

The pain syndrome with intercostal neuralgia is intense, long-lasting, and does not go away. It causes a burning sensation. With increased tone or spasms of muscle tissue, the pain increases when the patient bends the body, moves the shoulder or scapula.

In heart disease, the pain is short-term, paroxysmal. Their appearance is provoked by stressful conditions and overwork. When symptoms of intercostal neuralgia on the left arise and radiate to the heart, this does not pose a threat to life.

However, they can easily be confused with the pain syndrome that appears during myocardial infarction. The patient in this situation requires emergency hospitalization. Heart pain is distinguished by the following characteristics:

• the pain syndrome in neuralgia is constant and prolonged, movements increase its intensity;
• with thoracalgia, pulse and pressure are unchanged;
• nitroglycerin does not relieve pain caused by thoracic radiculitis;
• with myocardial infarction, pain is accompanied by an attack;

General signs

Symptoms of left intercostal neuralgia include:

• acute persistent pain on the left side;
• burning and tingling sensation;
• increase in pain when performing movements;
• increased pain causes sneezing, coughing;
• muscle tension;
• muscle spasms;

The skin on the left side becomes numb, loses sensitivity, turns pale or red. It is difficult for the patient to breathe deeply. He experiences dizziness and fainting due to oxygen deprivation. The pain subsides when the patient takes a forced fixed position. The main symptoms include: sweating, sudden surges in pressure, pain in the lumbar spine.

The nerves are formed by sensory, motor and autonomic bundles. The symptoms are influenced by the degree of damage to these fibers:

1. If the sensory bundles are damaged, the patient suffers from piercing pain that is neuralgic in nature.
2. When the motor bundles are affected, the patient suffers from shortness of breath (they are responsible for the motor functions of the diaphragm and muscles and regulate the respiratory rhythm).
3. If the vegetative bundles are irritated, a person sweats profusely (they regulate the functioning of the sweat glands and vascular tone).
4. With uniform pressure on the nerve endings, a combination of various symptoms appears.

Symptoms associated with the underlying causes of the disease

Since left-sided intercostal neuralgia is considered a complication of prolonged pathologies of adjacent organs, it causes symptoms of concomitant ailments.

The disease is accompanied by symptoms inherent in:

• osteochondrosis of the thoracic region;
• displacement of the vertebrae;
• intervertebral hernia;
• injuries of the musculoskeletal system;
• curvature of the spinal column;
• colds;
• herpes zoster;
• tumor tumors of the spine;
• ankylosing spondylitis.

If the patient has difficulty breathing, diagnose pleurisy, pneumonia, and bronchial asthma. If there is pain in the lumbar region, the doctor will prescribe an examination to detect kidney disease. If you complain of colic in the abdomen, tests are done to detect peptic ulcers, cholecystitis and pancreatitis.

Symptoms in men and women

Signs of thoracic radiculitis differ slightly between men and women. Men suffer from severe discomfort and piercing pain on the left side. But their duration is shorter.

Acute pain radiating to the mammary glands, severe muscle tension are signs of intercostal neuralgia in women. Men never experience pain in the mammary glands. Pain radiating to the lower back in women is sometimes mistaken for signs of gynecological diseases.

Types of disease

Symptoms of intercostal neuralgia indicate a focus of inflammation of the peripheral nerve endings, the roots of which are subject to the greatest compression pressure. Depending on the location of the pain syndrome, the following types of intercostal neuralgia are distinguished.

Type of intercostal neuralgia	Clinical manifestations of pathology
Subscapularis	Sharp, aching or dull pain is concentrated on the side of the right or left shoulder blade. It can occur at the moment of a deep breath, or it can disturb a person constantly when he is in a state of complete physical calm. Without proper drug treatment, the pathology can lead to spasm of the muscle fibers located in this part of the back.
Chest	Attacks of acute pain come from the front of the chest. They can be localized in the center of the bone tissue, exclusively on the right or left side. By the nature of the manifestations, they are superficial, or there is a feeling that spasmodic pain comes from the depths of the chest. Most often, the pain intensifies when inhaling, coughing, laughing or eating food. Complicated forms of the disease can cause breathing problems and heart rhythm disturbances.
Lumbar	Intercostal neuralgia of the lumbar type is distinguished by the fact that compression of the peripheral nerves by the root occurs in the lower part of the chest. In this regard, acute or aching pain syndrome spreads to the lower back. It seems that only the back hurts, and pathological symptoms in the intercostal space are completely absent. With the lumbar type of the disease, attacks of pain intensify during physical activity, lifting heavy objects, sudden movements and jerking. The pathology is dangerous because over time it can negatively affect the mobility of muscle fibers of the lower extremities.
Subclavian	Intercostal neuralgia of the subclavian type is accompanied by sharp and tingling pain in the upper chest, located closer to the collarbone. The pain syndrome manifests itself in attacks that completely pierce the entire front and back of the chest from top to bottom. The pathology is localized on the right or left side. Much less often, the feeling of pain spreads simultaneously to both subclavian areas. If the doctor performing the examination is poorly qualified, the disease may be mistakenly confused with a disorder of the heart.

Intercostal neuralgia, the symptoms of which are accompanied by attacks of severe pain, should be diagnosed as early as possible. Timely determination of the pathological condition of the roots of the nerve endings of the intercostal space is a guarantee of rapid relief of pain, elimination of the causes of the disease, as well as the return of the patient to their usual way of life.

ethnoscience

The traditional medicine methods used will help eliminate painful sensations, however, they must be used in combination with drug therapy. Rubbing the damaged area with alcohol tincture of birch buds has a good warming effect. The substances that make up this infusion help increase blood circulation and eliminate pain.

Remember that traditional treatment for this disease should be used only as an auxiliary one! Contact a specialist for help!

You should take a decoction of peppermint internally, as it helps eliminate pain and alleviate the symptoms of the disease. You can add honey to the prepared broth. Horseradish juice, which must be thoroughly rubbed into the damaged areas, will help relieve painful sensations, and it is also advisable to apply compresses with pre-steamed flax seeds.

However, it is worth remembering that traditional medicine only helps to eliminate painful sensations, however, they do not eliminate the main cause of the disease. That is why it is necessary to undergo a full course of treatment using the means and techniques of traditional medicine.

Symptoms

Intercostal neuralgia, the symptoms of which always appear acutely and suddenly, indicates that the roots of the nerve endings are compressed and are in an irritated state.

Signs of the disease are expressed in the following pathological conditions of the body and elements of the musculoskeletal system:

• from the ribs, the front of the chest, the collarbone or the lumbar spine there is a sharp, dull, aching or burning pain that is constantly present or appears periodically when a person tries to take a deep breath, rolls over, or engages in active physical labor or sports;
• attacks of pain are accompanied by muscle twitching, which resembles a nervous tic;
• breathing problems appear due to a feeling of compression of the ribs and chest as a whole, which is caused by a general spasm of the muscular corset;
• the skin in the area where the pathological process is localized becomes red, pale or purple, depending on the degree of inflammation and irritation of the compressed nerve roots;

• increased sweating, panic attacks and a feeling of anxiety are added (this symptom occurs especially often when problems with breathing begin and a feeling of chest spasm appears);
• painful sensations intensify when, during palpation of the body, pressure is applied to certain points or intercostal space, which indicates compression of the nerve endings and is an important symptom in the process of diagnosing the disease;
• the skin, under the surface of which there are nerve endings irritated by compression, becomes numb and partially loses sensitivity;
• spasms of the muscles of the back, which can also cause severe pain.

Despite the pronounced symptoms of the pathological condition of the peripheral nerves located in the intercostal space, they do not lose their functional abilities. There are no signs of an extensive inflammatory process. After eliminating the effect of compression, the above symptoms of the disease recede.

Is it possible to treat at home?

At home, intercostal neuralgia is not treated with medications. The following activities are carried out:

• local treatment - apply dry heat to the affected area (heating pad, warm sand, mustard plasters, pepper plaster);
• sleep on a hard, flat surface, wear a corset;
• They use traditional medicine - lotions, compresses, decoctions, tinctures. A mixture of glycerin and iodine has an effective effect. Lubricate your back with a tampon with this mixture (but do not rub it), put on cotton underwear and go to bed. The procedure is repeated every other day. Only 15 times.

general description

Intercostal neuralgia is a pain syndrome provoked reflexively, which occurs, as we noted above, as a result of a certain effect on the intercostal nerves. Quite often, this type of neuralgia occurs against the background of an advanced stage of osteochondrosis, which occurs as a result of compression exerted on the roots of the intercostal nerves by intervertebral hernias.

Other possible causes of this disease include a number of diseases, which in particular include hormonal spondylopathy, spondylitis, progressive degree of kyphosis, neoplasms concentrated in the spine, ankylosing spondylitis, etc.

An attack of the disease can be triggered by a cold or hypothermia, poisoning or infection, mental stress or trauma. In addition, the factors influencing the appearance of intercostal neuralgia also include excessive physical activity, carried out out of habit or without the necessary pre-warming.

Thus, when considering a number of factors, it is possible to determine the main causes leading to the appearance of intercostal neuralgia, namely intoxication, cooling and infection.

It is noteworthy that quite often clinical practice indicates the occurrence of intercostal neuralgia as a result of herpetic lesions. It often occurs as a kind of response to irritation directed at the nerve trunks, which occurs as a result of the pathological course of processes in the area of ​​neighboring tissues and organs. In particular, such processes may include diseases of the ribs and spine, pleurisy, deformation of the chest area, etc.

It is also customary to identify the cause of intercostal neuralgia (which corresponds to a generalized version of intoxication) as taking certain medications, against the background of which pinched nerves occur. Long-term use of certain medications often provokes the development of complications, which occurs due to the actual breakdown of their components in the body in this case.

In general, a significant content of toxic substances, as well as inhalation of metal salts, all accompany damage to the nervous system, often provoking intercostal neuralgia.

Non-drug therapies

When the acute period of neuralgia is eliminated and the pain decreases slightly, non-drug therapy can be used to more quickly restore the functions of the affected areas. In particular, such methods include:

• massotherapy;
• manual therapy;
• physiotherapy;
• acupuncture;
• physiotherapy.

Therapeutic massage helps improve metabolic processes in muscles, which helps reduce pain and eliminate swelling. Physical therapy helps strengthen the muscles of the spine, however, it is worth remembering that exercises should only be selected by a doctor. Magnetic therapy, electrophoresis, laser therapy and UHF are indicated as physical procedures.

It is advisable to consolidate the resulting effect of the massage with manual therapy. During this procedure, the doctor acts directly on the displaced vertebrae. During such procedures, the vertebrae return to their natural position, the gaps between them widen and pinched nerves are released.