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Costal neuralgia. Symptoms and treatment of intercostal neuralgia

Intercostal neuralgia (or thoracic radiculitis, thoracalgia) is neurological disease, characterized by damage to the intercostal nerves, the main symptom of which is severe pain (on the pain scale it ranks third after pain during labor and renal colic). Most often it affects people aged 25 to 65 years; children practically do not suffer from this pathology. Men and women can equally suffer from intercostal neuralgia.

In humans, there are 12 pairs of intercostal nerves. They are moving away from spinal cord and pass in the space between the ribs. Each such nerve bundle contains sensory, motor and autonomic nerve fibers. Any damage (compression, inflammation, irritation, etc.) can cause symptoms of neuralgia.

Causes

There are many reasons that can cause the development of intercostal neuralgia:

Symptoms of intercostal neuralgia

Signs and symptoms of intercostal neuralgia are quite typical for of this disease:

Often, the symptoms of thoracalgia are in some way similar to other diseases: myocardial infarction, stomach ulcer or gastritis, pancreatitis, pneumonia (pneumonia), pleurisy and angina. However, each of them is characterized additional signs, including those identified on instrumental or laboratory research, which distinguish these pathologies from thoracic radiculitis.

Diagnostics

After the doctor has collected the patient’s complaints and anamnesis of the development of the disease, to confirm the diagnosis it is necessary to conduct additional examinations. The most informative and used of them:

Treatment of intercostal neuralgia

Treatment of intercostal neuralgia can be divided into medications and physiotherapy. When these treatment methods are combined, the duration of the disease and recovery processes are reduced several times.

Drug treatment of intercostal neuralgia

Physiotherapeutic treatment of intercostal neuralgia

Osteopathy. Eliminates the cause of deformation of the intercostal nerve, restores blood circulation and metabolism, relaxes muscles. Treatment duration is 5-15 sessions.
Exercise therapy. Performed after the acute pain syndrome, strengthens the spine and muscular frame of the back, normalizes everything metabolic processes.

Surgical methods of treatment for intercostal neuralgia are not used. The exception is spinal pathologies, which cause neuralgia and require surgical intervention.

Complications

The only complication of intercostal neuralgia may be pain shock arising due to severe pain. It manifests itself as severe motor restlessness, the patient cannot sit, often changes positions, and walks. Screams or groans are also possible. After some time it decreases blood pressure, even to the point of fainting.

As treatment, the patient should be immediately given an anesthetic intramuscularly or intravenously, placed on a bed, and provided with access to fresh air.

Prevention

To prevent the development of intercostal neuralgia, you should pay attention to following simple and simple rules:

Avoid hypothermia;
At long work in a static and uncomfortable position, take breaks of 5 minutes every 30-60 minutes;
If any pathology of the spine and other organs and organ systems occurs, seek medical help from a specialist;
Maintain correct posture;
Monitor proper and balanced nutrition;
Doing physical exercises to strengthen the muscular frame of the back and chest(gymnastics, exercises, exercise equipment);
Avoid injury.

Content

Many people, especially older people, experience symptoms of intercostal neuralgia. This disease is the most common pathology of the nervous system. As a rule, neuralgia of this kind is caused by diseases of the spine, but it can also appear due to other pathological processes body. Doctors consider the disease not too dangerous for human health, but it provokes severe pain, which interferes with normal, quiet life. To cure neuralgia, you need symptomatic treatment and therapy that eliminates the cause of the disease.

What is intercostal neuralgia

Intercostal neuralgia (another name is thoracalgia) is pinching, irritation or compression of the spinal nerve. Due to the nature of the pain (on the left, in the heart area or under the heart), during the first attacks, many patients confuse the disease with cardiovascular pathologies, for example, a heart attack. It is also important to differentiate intercostal neuralgia from stomach pain and renal colic. From heart attack The pathology is different in that it does not change blood pressure or pulse, and nitroglycerin does not help relieve symptoms. The pain intensifies with movement.

Pain due to intercostal neuralgia may occur in different areas the patient’s body next to the spine: throughout the chest area, on the right or left side of the back, under the shoulder blades. Often the painful sensations are girdling in nature. As a rule, intercostal neuralgia develops due to the course of other diseases of the spine: osteochondrosis, scoliosis, tumors and abnormal position of the vertebrae. In addition, the disease can be caused by the following factors:

Long-term exposure to low temperatures.
Inflammatory diseases.
Injuries to the ribs, chest, spine.
Tumors localized in the spinal cord.
Poisoning of the body.
Nerve damage.
Spondylitis, kyphosis, other diseases of the spine.
Diabetes mellitus.
Age-related changes.
Severe strain in the back muscles.
Fatigue, stress.
Herpes.
Pleurisy.
Pathological changes in the chest.
Rib diseases.
Aortic aneurysm.
Hormonal changes.
Fast growth(in children).
Climacteric, post-menopausal period (in women).

You should not self-diagnose intercostal neuralgia when it appears. similar symptoms and begin treatment, because it may hide a serious illness that requires urgent medical intervention. Methods for diagnosing the disease include examination of the patient, tests and examination with special devices. How to determine the presence of intercostal neuralgia:

Ultrasound. Not the main method of examination for intercostal neuralgia (due to high bone density).
X-ray. Helps to see abnormalities in the structure of a person’s bones.
Computed tomography. The tomogram will show bone and soft tissue.
Myelography. During the examination, a contrast agent is injected into the spinal canal, with which you can see changes in soft tissues due to the disease.
Contrasting discography. Contrast agent is inserted into the area of the intervertebral disc.
MRI. Allows you to fully examine the structure of damaged tissue or bone structures.
Electrospondylography. Helps identify pathology initial stage occurrence.

Women who are pregnant and breastfeeding require a particularly careful approach to therapy after diagnosis of the disease, because many medications are contraindicated for them. Intercostal neuralgia can occur due to severe stress on the back. If the pain is tolerable, women should be prescribed physical therapy, yoga or other stress relief acute symptoms diseases.

Symptoms and signs of the disease

The nerves of the spine have large branches, so when they are damaged, the pain often mimics cardiovascular diseases. For example, there may be discomfort in the area thoracic on the left, extending into the scapula. In the treatment of left intercostal neuralgia, in contrast to heart diseases, they help sedatives, such as Corvalol, Validol. 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, tearfulness. Intercostal neuralgia increases after physical exercise or loads.

Methods for treating the disease at home

Treatment of intercostal neuralgia at home is carried out different methods. Main task V acute period diseases - to relieve pain, which can be extremely painful for the patient. Along with taking painkillers, it is necessary to influence the cause of the pathology and carry out appropriate therapy.

Modern treatment of back pain has long moved away from simple elimination discomfort. It is important to treat not the manifestations, but their cause. An example of such an integrated approach is the addition of NSAIDs with neurotropic vitamins (B1, B6, B12). B vitamins not only help eliminate pain faster than when taking NSAIDs alone (for example, diclofenac sodium), but also have a beneficial effect on physiological processes in the nerve fiber, stimulate nutrition and restoration of the structure of the nervous tissue. Thus, the optimal addition to NSAIDs is the drug Neuromultivit in injections, which includes three vitamins B1, B6, B12. therapeutic dosages. The use of neurotropic vitamins in high therapeutic doses helps to consolidate the analgesic effect and promotes recovery nerve fiber, thanks to which it is possible to achieve long-term remission of pain. Treatment with the drug begins with daily injections for 5-10 days, then switches to maintenance administration, 2-3 injections per week for two to three weeks.

To reduce painful sensations, doctors recommend wearing a corset that supports the spine and relieves stress on the nerves. In addition, it helps cope with pain dry heat which does not harm the body - this method is suitable for pregnant women who do not resort to pill treatment. To prevent attacks, doctors advise patients to sit less, not take uncomfortable positions, sleep on a flat surface, and avoid severe episodes as much as possible. physical activity, but moderate strength exercises, on the contrary, should be made part of the daily routine.

Drug treatment

Drug treatment will help the patient quickly relieve excruciating pain. To get rid of intercostal neuralgia with the help of medications, therapy is approached in a comprehensive manner: analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants are prescribed. How to treat intercostal neuralgia with medications:

Relieve pain. Drugs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, and ketoprofen help with this. These are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that quickly eliminate the symptom of intercostal neuralgia, but they should not be taken by people who have problems with the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, the tablets Movalis, Sedalgin, Panadol, Pentalgin, Baralgetas will help. It is advisable to take the pill immediately after the symptoms of the disease appear - this will make the attack go away faster.
Make a blockade. This is necessary when the patient has severe pain from a disease for which conventional pills do not help. Then they give injections of novocaine, lidocaine, hydrocortisone or diclofenac.
Use pepper patch. It will help relieve pain from intercostal neuralgia for several days.
Eliminate back muscle spasm. Drugs from the group of muscle relaxants will help with this: Tizanidine, Mydocalm, Clonazepam.
Get rid of numbness. B vitamins often help restore the structure of nerves.
Apply ointment. There are drugs with a pronounced analgesic effect, for example, Finalgon, Fastum-gel. Products such as Apizatron and Viproxal will help improve blood circulation and metabolic processes of the skin. Chondroxide ointment will help correct spinal mobility with intercostal neuralgia.

Treatment of neuralgia with cupping

Cupping massage is effective procedure, helping to get rid of intercostal neuralgia together with medicines. This method improves lymphatic drainage, blood circulation, and promotes tissue regeneration. Before performing a massage, a person must thoroughly clean the areas of skin where the cups will be placed. Next, its surface is lubricated with heated oil - eucalyptus or olive. When attaching the cans, the method of igniting the cotton wool inside, and then placing them on the back, or the mechanical method of removing air (in modern cans) can be used.

Doing cupping massage at home for intercostal neuralgia, you need to remember that the devices should only slightly absorb the skin, lifting it no more than one and a half centimeters. After attaching the can, begin the massage: to influence the back, you need to move the device from bottom to top, as you go lymphatic vessels. You should not place jars on the spine itself. At correct execution the procedure will not cause pain to the patient, and the effect of treating the disease will not take long to arrive.

Physiotherapy and exercise therapy

Physiotherapeutic methods are no less effective than treatment medications. To get rid of neuralgia, doctors prescribe dynamic current to the patient, along with which they introduce into the body medicinal products. Intercostal neuralgia is also treated with ultrasound, which provides micromassage to the affected areas. So that the patient can painlessly cope with the disease, treatment with paraffin, mud, and ozokerite is prescribed. Medical physical culture will help the patient strengthen the back muscles, thereby relieving the load on the spine and coping with the pressure on the affected nerve.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture (acupuncture) is an ancient method of treating diseases, including neuralgia. During it biologically active points are pierced with special thinnest needles. Impact on certain areas with the help of these devices improves blood flow, metabolic processes, relieves pain, and eliminates muscle imbalance during exacerbation. For neuralgia, doctors usually prescribe two or three courses of acupuncture (one course is about ten procedures, but depends on the severity of the disease). To achieve the desired effect, take a break of two months.

Acupressure

Acupressure is a method of treating alternative medicine, which, however, has been proving its effectiveness in the treatment of intercostal neuralgia for many years. The essence of the method is to influence biologically active points associated with certain authorities. There are different methods of influence: light stroking or touching points, pressure with a finger or palm, strong deep pressure (can be done with a finger or with special devices, grains, matches).

Pressing and stroking should be carried out perpendicular to the surface of the skin. If this is stroking, it should be continuous and performed at the same pace from the beginning to the end of the procedure. For intercostal neuralgia, as a rule, about 10-15 procedures are needed to significantly reduce pain. The patient can do the massage independently after consultation with a professional. Diagram of the location of some points from intercostal neuralgia in the photo:

Folk remedies for pain relief

Indoor geranium. Tear off a leaf from the plant, rub it on the areas affected by pain, wrap yourself in a woolen blanket or scarf - this will help reduce pain in the area of intercostal neuralgia.
Product with beeswax, honey, onion. To prepare the ointment, mix the juice onions, juice from a white lily bulb, a little honey and beeswax. Apply the mixture to the sore area, wrap yourself well to provide warmth, and go to bed.
Mumiyo with propolis. These remedies have long been known for the treatment of intercostal neuralgia. Their joint use ensures restoration of affected tissues and relief of inflammatory processes. To enhance the effect, the mixture is used not only externally, but also taken internally.
Yarrow. To prepare an infusion with this plant, pour a glass of boiling water over a large spoon of the herb and leave for an hour, wrapped in a towel or blanket. Strain the resulting solution. When it cools down, take a tablespoon three times a day to relieve pain from intercostal neuralgia.
Turpentine with Vaseline. Mix the products in a ratio of one to two, rub into the affected areas. Over time, intercostal neuralgia will subside.

Video: how to recognize and treat intercostal neuralgia

It is extremely important to correctly recognize intercostal neuralgia so as not to confuse it with heart disease, stomach disease, kidney disease, or a heart attack. When the nerve is first damaged, people may panic, not understanding what is happening. The leading cardiologist talks in detail about the signs of intercostal neuralgia, which is characterized by a specific area of pain, its aching or stabbing nature, shortness of breath, worsening with inspiration, and helps to understand how it differs from heart disease. Watch the video, which will help you recognize pathologies and tell you how to treat neuralgia.

Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials of the article do not call for self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and make treatment recommendations based on individual characteristics specific patient.

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« Intercostal space» – medical term meaning intercostal space (space between the ribs). " Neuralgia” – refers to sharp shooting pain in the nerves (intercostal) caused by irritation and damage.

Intercostal neuralgia- sharp shooting pain felt along the nerves located between the ribs. Although intercostal neuralgia is rare, it is difficult for a person suffering from it to endure pain throughout life.

Reasons

Neuralgia is often affected by changes in the ribs: degeneration; inflammation; tumor affecting nervous system person. Peripheral nerve trunks are most often affected by the disease. There are a number of main reasons that influence the manifestation of neuralgia:

Spinal injuries, the nature of their development;
before menopause in women;
Alcohol abuse;
Severe tension in the spinal muscles, inflammatory processes;
Neoplasms (tumors) in the chest;
Injuries, diseases spinal column, ribs;
Diseases of the digestive tract;
Vitamin deficiency, lack of minerals;
Thoracic nerve injuries;
Diseases of the heart, blood vessels;
Excessive use of medications, microbial toxins, poisoning with neurotropic poisons;
Osteochondrosis in a progressive form;
Weakened immune system(the problem is being solved);
Herpetic inflammation of nervous tissue;
(stress hormone), resulting in stress (according to recent studies conducted in Germany, 87% of all possible diseases occur as a result of stress).

Intercostal neuralgia is a rare occurrence, usually caused by severe trauma or damage to the intercostal nerves. The manifestation of the disease in women may be accompanied by wearing tight underwear, for example, bras with hard underwires that put pressure on the chest area, causing inflammation.

The female body can develop neuralgia due to thinness, since it is very skinny body has very little fatty tissue, and the nerves are located very close to the skin.

Symptoms of intercostal neuralgia

Intercostal neuralgia on the right is considered the most painful. The patient experiences a feeling of severe pain, especially when inhaling/exhaling and coughing. When palpating between the ribs and vertebrae, the painful sensations only intensify, especially if affected areas of nervous tissue are found.

Symptoms intercostal neuralgia on the right they flow very brightly. In many cases, patients feel pain in the area of the right rib, lower back and near the shoulder blades. A person can be affected by attacks for a long time. There are several main symptoms of the disease:

Piercing pain effects that are present almost non-stop.
Burning, tingling.
Spasms that can be attributed to heart pain.
Increased pain effects when moving.

These are the main signs of neurology. At the same time, left-sided and right-sided symptoms are somewhat different.

Right-sided neuralgia affects the chest area in the form of loss of sensitivity. At this point, pain symptoms may occur on the other side of the body, which deepens the development of the disease.

The discomfort in the heart area lasts a short time, and the pain is relieved after the use of nitroglycerin. But heart pain (confused with intercostal pain) will radiate to the arm area and shoulder region, when breathing, the pain does not change, there is a disturbance in the heartbeat rhythm.

Intercostal neuralgia occurs with constant pain, which can also occur at night; with palpation it will only intensify, and this is also affected by human movement, for example, bending. Inflammatory processes bring a number of new symptoms:

a person begins;
in the area of formation of the disease, the color of the skin changes, it becomes pale or red;
automatic muscle contraction occurs in the area of inflammation.

Chicken pox with neuralgia.

IN medical practice rare, but still found with intercostal neuralgia. In addition to the above symptoms, rashes appear on the surface of the chest and back. Smallpox can become a provocateur of neuralgia. For this, a manifestation or is sufficient. Correct therapy will contribute to the disappearance of the rash, while the person may continue to feel pain for a long time. Experts call this type of inflammation postherpetic neuralgia.

Diagnosis of the disease

At the first stage of diagnosis, a patient's medical history is compiled. The doctor analyzes all complaints and makes visual inspection. As a rule, specialists make a diagnosis after manipulation. With a more severe nature of the disease, an instrumental examination is performed. For example:

If a specialist suspects an injured nerve condition, electroneuromyography (ENMG, electromyography, EMG) is performed.
Intercostal neuralgia in the chest area is determined by CT and MRI studies of the spinal column. Additionally, the presence/absence of neoplasms or hernias in the soft tissues of the body is examined.
X-ray of the chest, spine.
OAM ( , clinical analysis blood, ) – mandatory tests if pain from the chest area radiates to the lower back.
Test for the presence of antibodies to viruses (test for) - to study nerve damage due to infection.

A complete diagnosis allows the therapist to prescribe progressive therapy that can eliminate intercostal neuralgia.

How is intercostal neuralgia treated in medical institutions?

For this disease, the patient is seen by a neurologist and a neurosurgeon. The main task of a neurologist is to prescribe therapy that will eliminate the causes of the disease that caused the pinched/inflamed nerve.

In some cases of intercostal neuralgia, treatment may not be required, since the injury or damage will be minor and there will be virtually no pain. However, in other cases, therapy may be required and doctors will have to resort to painkillers and various injections, including corticosteroids, antidepressants, antihistamines And . For patients suffering from constant pain for a long time, the nerve endings are removed.

For acute pain syndromethe patient is prescribed:

bed rest for several days (it is important that the bed is hard; for this you can install a furniture board under the mattress);
warming the chest with warming compresses (for example, a heated towel, woolen scarf);
warming the spine with mustard plasters or massage with anti-inflammatory ointments;
use of medications (painkillers, ointments, corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed);
acupuncture;
the use of vitamins (B - group) for the regeneration of the nerve sheath, giving greater resistance to influencing factors;
For a week, avoid any physical activity, alcohol consumption is prohibited, stressful situations provoking pain syndrome.

Rehabilitation

The rehabilitation course includes:

use of paraffin/ozokerite applications on the right side of the chest;
massage;
the use of baths with radon and hydrogen sulfide;
water procedures in the pool;
therapeutic exercises;
mud treatment

Medicinal (pharmaceutical) preparations for quick relief of inflammation and excruciating pain in the area where the intercostal nerves are located - treatment at home

It doesn’t matter whether the neuralgia is on the left or the right, before treating intercostal neuralgia at home, be sure to consult a doctor.

If the pain is acute and continues for a long time, you can use a novocaine blockade. At chronic form take medications that can relieve pain - painkillers (analgesics) or antiepileptic drugs.

During therapy great value give the following analgesics that can suppress pain:

Pentalgin;
Tablets with active substance Ketorolac (drugs, Ketanol, Toradol);
Zaldiar;
Paracetamol;
With the active ingredient Ketoprofen (preparations Ketonal, Flamax, Flexen, Oki);
With the active ingredient Nimesulide (Nimesil, Nise).

Particular attention is paid to eliminating tissue swelling, especially if it causes constant pain. To relieve swelling, take diuretics and venotonics (phlebotonics):

Venotonic with the active ingredient diosmin (Diosmin, Phlebodia 600, Vasoket, Diovenor 600).
Venotonics with active ingredients diosmin and hesperidin (Detralex, Venarus);
Diuretic Trifas (Torasemide).

Also, ointments against inflammation in combination with muscle relaxants and relieving spasms:

Ointment “Tsel T” (stimulates regeneration processes and slows down tissue degeneration);
Anti-inflammatory ointment "Traumeel S".

Muscle relaxants:

Myocaine;
Sibazon.

Warming (warming) gels, balms and ointments are also used, thanks to which blood circulation improves:

Balm "Sanitas";
Tiger ointment;
Apizartron;
Gel Troxevasin;
Menovazine (especially often used for lesions) peripheral nerves).

Before purchasing and taking medications, be sure to consult your doctor!

Traditional methods of self-medication at home

Usually, folk technique practice as additional treatment intercostal neuralgia. Many remedies have been developed for self-medication. Which are time-tested and can really bring positive effects. But it is worth considering that this is a secondary measure, professional treatment should not be excluded from the treatment course.

List of popular folk remedies

willow bark– Healing bark that can help eliminate intercostal neuralgia. Finely crushed bark is placed in an iron container and poured with boiling water (250 ml). Then the iron container is placed on the stove and boiled over low heat for 15-20 minutes. Then remove and let cool. Once it cools down, you need to strain it and take 20 ml - 4 times a day.

Thyme-based tincture– Thyme can eliminate the painful symptoms of the disease. 10 grams of the plant are poured with 100 ml of alcohol and left for infusion for a day. Afterwards, the contents are filtered and taken 3 times a day - 15 drops.

Horseradish uses– To do this, its leaves are collected, finely chopped, and applied to the right side of the chest, wrapped on top with a warm scarf (preferably woolen).

Geranium leaves– Take several leaves of the plant and place them on a linen towel, after which you should wrap the localized pain. For convenience, wrap a bandage over the towel and put on something warm to completely warm it up. The pain subsides gradually over 2-3 hours. The compress is used at least 2 times a day.

chicken egg Boil it hard and while it is hot, apply it to the site of localization of intercostal neuralgia. As the egg cools, the painful effects will subside.

Garlic oil– About 25 ml of garlic oil is diluted with cognac (500 ml); if there is no cognac, you can use alcohol. The prepared composition is wiped over the temples and forehead. The essence allows you to eliminate pain, realizing the homeopathic syndrome.

Black radish– The juice of fresh chokeberry radish copes well with pain. Squeeze the juice out of the vegetable, warm it up a little and apply it to the place where the diseased nerve is located.

– For cooking you will need the flowers of the plant, 4 tablespoons pour into 1 glass hot water, and boil for about 10 minutes. The finished decoction is drunk 1/3 of the contents of a glass, 3 times a day after eating.

Using sage baths– Take 4 tablespoons of sage and pour boiling water (500 ml). Let it brew for a while and pour it into a filled bath. Add a handful at the end sea salt. The bath must be taken every day for 15 minutes.

To eliminate pain, you can also purchase a ready-made patch created specifically for pain relief. It is able to relieve swelling and neutralize inflammation. Apply it for 12 hours, after removal, a new one is applied 2-3 hours later.

The symptoms and treatment at home presented in the article are informative. Therapy and diagnosis should take place in medical institution under supervision qualified specialist. Application traditional therapy is one of the main methods of eliminating the disease.

During the rehabilitation period, the patient must comply with all the specialist’s instructions. It is important to ensure that there is no hypothermia and be sure to take vitamins to strengthen the immune system. If you apply all the recommendations indicated in the article, the symptoms of intercostal neuralgia and treatment in most cases will end favorably.

Interesting

Neuralgia is a disease that occurs when there is irritation, as well as pinching of the intercostal nerve. Its main feature is sharp pain. Most often, the pathology occurs in older people, but can also be observed in young people (usually those who lead a sedentary lifestyle), less often in children (during the period of active growth).

Acute pain with intercostal neuralgia occurs in the area of the heart and ribs. Pain may radiate to the lower back and shoulder blades. Therefore, sometimes doctors have difficulty making a diagnosis. The disease occurs with the left and with right side. Symptoms vary depending on the location of the pathology.

Often these characteristic pains are the cause of other diseases. And in order to eliminate this confusion, you should know the signs associated with pathology.

The cause of spasms and pinching may be heavy physical exertion or sudden incorrect movements.

Many people think that intercostal neuralgia is caused by osteochondrosis. However, this is not always the case. There are other disorders that cause pinching.

A pinched nerve often leads to the following factors:

joint dysfunction – spinal-motor sections are damaged, muscle function is disrupted;
displacement of intervertebral discs - this process leads to severe pain in the back;
reflex effects - formed when the vertebrae are displaced;
scoliosis is an organ that, when the spine is curved, begins to work incorrectly, which is why problems arise;
neoplasms internal organs capable of moving discs and spine.

The cause of spasms and pinching may be heavy physical exertion or sudden incorrect movements. You should not lift weights, because... a hernia will also appear. To avoid problems with the musculoskeletal system, you should lead an active lifestyle, move more, and exercise moderately.

Less commonly, neuralgia can be caused by:

diabetes mellitus;
pathologies of the digestive system (colitis, gastritis, stomach ulcer, etc.);
acute gastroenteritis;
allergic diseases;
multiple sclerosis.

Muscle spasms often occur when traumatic disorders, psycho-emotional stress. Hypothermia provokes neuralgia, which can develop into pneumonia. It is possible that neuralgia occurs as a symptom of another disease.

Symptoms

The main complaint of patients with spinal column disease is pain.

Pain syndrome. The pain can be pulling, stabbing, shooting, forming in the area of the affected area and often deepens under the shoulder blade, between the ribs, in the upper abdomen. At first, only discomfort, fatigue, and tightness in the spine are possible. The pain is felt and increases when turning, bending the body, as well as when coughing or taking a deep breath.

Vertebral syndrome. Thoracic radiculopathy has the same symptoms. First, the spinal cord roots begin to be poisoned, and if this is not prevented, then signs of loss of function subsequently appear. Then the sensory and motor fibers are damaged and are expressed by other symptoms:

tingling sensation, skin becomes numb, goosebumps appear;
muscle weakness;
suppression of tendon reflexes;
dry skin or increased sweating;
sensitivity is lost.

Pressing on the spine or chest causes pain in the intercostal spaces and paravertebral points. The back muscles are very tense and are unable to protect the thoracic region from sharp shocks that cause pain. In this regard, the mobility of the spine is reduced.

Problems with the functions of internal organs. When a nerve is damaged, symptoms include organ dysfunction. This happens due to a disorder vegetative fibers. At first, the changes are not very noticeable, but later functional, organic damage occurs. Then the following symptoms are possible:

cough, shortness of breath;
unstable pressure;
accelerated pulse.

It is necessary to eliminate the symptoms and treatment of this disease, because if they are neglected, unpleasant consequences will arise.

Possible consequences

Because of this, neurological deficits appear in the human body, also muscle weakness legs If the disease is severe, temporary paralysis may occur.

Diagnostics

A specialist will be able to determine the diagnosis of intercostal neuralgia without much difficulty. The doctor will ask the patient about his complaints and conduct some examinations:

upon examination, you may notice redness or pallor of the skin over the pathological nerve;
When you feel the damaged intercostal space, pain will appear.

In addition to discomfort, a pinched nerve leads to serious damage functions of certain internal organs and systems. As a result, brain signals cannot reach the peripheral nervous system.

If the doctor remains in doubt about making a diagnosis, additional research methods will be needed:

radiography;
computed tomography;
myelography.

If necessary, an ultrasound may be required abdominal cavity, ECG.

Treatment

Therapeutic actions are carried out to eliminate pain symptom, as well as the treatment of that disease, as a result of which neuralgia occurred.

Treatment is mainly carried out on an outpatient basis. It is better for the patient to rest for the first week. The bed should be flat, preferably with an orthopedic mattress.

Drug therapy

The following medications are most often prescribed to a patient with intercostal neuralgia:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac, Rofecoxib, Meloxicam) are available in the form of injections, tablets, and suppositories. These medications eliminate pain, relieve inflammatory process.
Drugs that improve the nervous system (Novo-passit, Persen, Sedasen, etc.), they contain plant components.
Muscle relaxants (Tolperil, Mydocalm) reduce spasms of striated muscles.
Vitamin B (Milgamma, Neurobion, etc.), normalizes impaired nerve structures.

At acute form development of the disease will require injection treatment, and subsequent home treatment- taking pills.

Local therapy

It happens that conservative methods could not cope with the disease, in this case they resort to surgical treatment.

The affected area should always be kept warm; you can wear a knitted sweater or woolen scarf.

If the nerve is damaged, treatment is possible various ointments, gels:

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ointments and gels (Fastum-gel, Dolobene);
anesthetics (Menovazin, Finalgon, Capsicam, etc.) have an analgesic effect;
transdermal patches (Voltaren, Nanoplast forte) are saturated with painkillers, anti-inflammatory substances, they have a positive effect on the affected nerve.

Non-drug treatment

If acute signs intercostal neuralgia have been eliminated, non-drug therapy methods can more quickly restore the functioning of the affected areas:

physical therapy – the doctor individually selects exercises for each patient to strengthen the muscular corset of the spine;
therapeutic massage – normalizes metabolic processes, relieves pain and swelling;
acupuncture;
manual therapy – restores connections between the vertebrae, and also removes pinched nerves;
physiotherapy (UHF, magnetic therapy, electrophoresis, mud and hydrotherapy, laser therapy, etc.)

Massage

It is very good to treat the disease with the help of massage. This method has a relaxing effect on the muscular system, normalizes blood flow in the tissues, and prepares them for physical exercise and manual procedures.

The massage technique should be performed with rubbing, stroking, kneading movements. It is necessary to complete the entire course of massage, which will be prescribed by a specialist. Massage is not only pleasant, but also beneficial for the spinal column.

Surgery

It happens that conservative methods could not cope with the disease, in which case surgical treatment is resorted to. An operation is performed to decompress the compressed nerve process (removal of tumors, osteophytes, hernias). If displacement of the spinal discs or their instability is noticed, it is necessary to perform spinal fusion (fixation of some segments).

After the operation, rehabilitation will be required, which can last from several weeks to several months.

Folk recipes

Help alleviate the patient's condition folk recipes, but only as an adjuvant therapy.

The most effective and famous recipes are:

Freshly squeezed horseradish and radish juice can eliminate pain. It should be applied to the affected area.
Pick aspen buds and chop them, add Vaseline in a ratio of 1:4, i.e. 1 part Vaseline and 4 parts kidneys. Everything is thoroughly mixed and applied to painful area 3-4 times a day.
Rue tincture will have an analgesic effect. You will need 2 tbsp. l. raw materials, then pour 250 ml of hot water, after which it is infused for about 2 weeks. During intense pain apply lotions to the affected area.
You can take a warm bath with sage and sea salt.
At home, you can prepare an ointment from the venom of snakes and bees. Rub thoroughly into the desired area, then wrap warmly.

Prevention

A pinched nerve often occurs during a sedentary lifestyle. Intercostal neuralgia often results from osteochondrosis, lordosis, and radiculitis.

In order not to pinch a nerve and cause painful neuropathy, you should keep your posture as straight as possible, do not hunch over, and do not overwork the muscles of the lower back and back.

And yet, when sudden attack pain, you need to switch to a lighter mode of activity, do not overcool and avoid intense physical strain.

Most often, pain in the chest is mistaken for a heart attack, various diseases spine or organs gastrointestinal tract, although these may be manifestations of intercostal neuralgia. The pathology occurs due to pinching or irritation of the intercostal nerve and manifests itself in the form of acute pain. Intercostal neuralgia has strictly defined symptoms and treatment that every person needs to know about. In our article we will try to understand the causes of damage to the intercostal nerves, clinical manifestations, principles of diagnosis and treatment of an abnormal process.

To understand the cause of this pathology, you first need to know what intercostal neuralgia is, the symptoms and treatment of this condition.

Damage to the intercostal nerves serves as a definite warning of serious diseases of the body structures. Intercostal neuralgia is characterized by pinching, irritation or inflammation of peripheral nerves located in the narrow intercostal space. It is characterized by acute pain, which significantly worsens a person’s quality of life: performance decreases, irritability appears.

Pinched intercostal nerve is not a “terrible” diagnosis, but it has similarities with the symptoms of more serious illnesses. Intercostal neuralgia can affect older people, as well as young people who are prone to sedentary style life or involved in professional swimming.

This pathology in children is observed only in in rare cases, for example, during a period of intensive growth.

Irritation of nerve tissue indicates that something is happening in the body. pathological change. There are many reasons for the development of this process. Therefore, consultations with a neurologist and diagnostics in this matter are extremely important in order to make an accurate diagnosis of the patient and begin treatment in a timely manner.

The most common causes of intercostal neuralgia are:

It is necessary to correctly identify the causes of intercostal neuralgia and fight not only its symptoms, but also eliminate the root cause of its development.

Main symptoms

The main symptom of intercostal neuralgia is pain. Moreover, there is always an immediate acute pain. Nerve inflammation can take you by surprise because it can appear suddenly. A person begins to experience severe discomfort, it becomes difficult for him to perform everyday duties.

The pain may intensify with emotional conversation, coughing, or turning the body. Even in a state of rest, a person does not feel better. High intensity pain may persist for 4-7 days.

The skin in the area where the irritated nerve is located usually loses sensitivity. But if you feel the affected area, the pain can sharply intensify.

Secondary symptoms of intercostal neuralgia may be:

pallor skin or, conversely, redness;
increased sweating;
involuntary muscle contraction;
loss of consciousness (at low pain threshold possible for some people).

Most often, pain occurs in the chest and spreads along the ribs. Depending on the root cause of intercostal neuralgia, pain can spread beyond the chest, and this misleads the doctor in making the correct diagnosis.

Inflammation of the nerve in the intercostal space provokes pain from all sides. In addition, the pain can spread beyond the affected area: to the lower back, back, shoulder blades.

You can independently distinguish the pain of a pinched intercostal nerve from cardiac pain. It is necessary to take one of the heart medications, according to the instructions: Validol, Nitroglycerin or Corvalol. If after some time there is no relief, it means intercostal neuralgia. In this case it is necessary diagnostic test in a specialized institution to determine the cause of the pathology.

It will not be difficult for a neurologist to establish a diagnosis of intercostal neuralgia. Judging by the patient’s symptoms, complaints and palpation (feeling), he will be able to determine treatment tactics.

To establish the primary source of pain, the following diagnostic methods are prescribed:

X-ray of the chest organs (survey);
MRI of the spine;
Ultrasound of the abdominal organs.

Treatment methods

Treatment of intercostal neuralgia occurs in two directions:

relief of the patient’s condition, reduction of pain;
treatment of the underlying disease, against which intercostal neuralgia arose.

In most cases, intercostal neuralgia is treated on an outpatient basis. For the first few days, the patient must remain in bed. To do this, you need to properly arrange the bed: it must be firm. Also use an orthopedic mattress or place a backboard under a regular mattress.

The treatment regimen consists of the following points:

drug therapy;
physiotherapy and exercise therapy;
acupuncture;
manual massage;
traditional medicine.

First of all, the specialist will help the patient reduce the pain of intercostal nerve entrapment and may prescribe the following medications.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac, Meloxicam), they will relieve pain and provide direct action on the inflammatory process in the body. These tools have several dosage forms: injection solutions, tablets, ointments, suppositories.
Muscle relaxants (Sirdalur, Tolperil), which reduce the severity of spasm of muscle fibers.
Sedatives based on herbal components (Sedasen, Persen, Novo-Passit).
B vitamins (Neurobion, Neurorubin). Vitamin B restores damaged nerve structures and improves the passage of impulses through them.
Painkillers. Good effect provide ointments based on bee and snake venom: Apizartron, Viprosal.

Physiotherapy and exercise therapy

Electromagnetic and magnetic fields, UV rays, infrared radiation, ultrasound, electrophoresis and other physiotherapeutic methods.

Therapeutic physical training (PT) is most effective when the nerve is pinched between the ribs. On an individual basis, the specialist selects a set of activities for the patient, taking into account the severity of the pathology, the patient’s well-being and the symptoms of the disease.

Manual massage

To speed up recovery, the attending physician may advise the patient to undergo additional manual therapy. One of common methods its implementation is massage. Using the fingers, the specialist will influence the intercostal spaces, as well as the spine if neuralgia occurs due to diseases of the spine.

Manual therapy will help improve metabolic processes and blood flow in affected tissues, relax muscles and normalize the conduction of nerve impulses.

Acupuncture

Sometimes with intercostal neuralgia, acupuncture can significantly alleviate the patient's condition.

This method of treatment helps to quickly eliminate pain and relieve muscle imbalance.

Folk remedies

Most often as a first aid medical care use mustard plasters or pepper plaster. They warm up well soft fabrics and have a beneficial effect on the blood circulation process.

You can also use it at home special ointments, herbal infusions, compresses that have an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.

Glycerin and honey. The ingredients must be taken in equal quantities, mixed and applied to the affected areas. Use once every two days.
Chamomile and peppermint. Fill hot water 1 tbsp each dry herbs mint and chamomile. Leave to infuse for approximately 1 hour. Strain the infusion and drink it throughout the day. The course of treatment lasts no longer than 5 days.
Indoor geranium. Pluck several leaves of the plant, put them on a linen or cotton napkin and bandage them to the affected area, wrap them with a down scarf on top. The compress must be kept for 40 minutes.
Turpentine and Vaseline. Mix turpentine and petroleum jelly until smooth in a 1:2 ratio. Gently rub the resulting mixture into the area of intercostal neuralgia.
Geranium and lemon balm. Pour boiling water over these ingredients and let it brew for a while. This decoction must be consumed regularly in the form of tea until the intercostal neuralgia completely disappears.

It should be remembered that self-medication may cause potential threat for your health. Before use folk remedies for intercostal neuralgia, you should consult your doctor, as there is a possibility of intolerance to individual components. In addition, the manifestation of pain along the way intercostal nerve may indicate more serious problems in the body.

If the diagnosis was made correctly and all the doctor’s instructions were followed, then full recovery person. To reduce the likelihood of intercostal neuralgia, it is necessary to promptly treat primary diseases, as a result of which pathology occurs.

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 musculoskeletal system;
ensure correct posture;
exercise regularly;
treat infectious diseases at the first manifestations.

Conclusion

Intercostal neuralgia is quite common pathological condition. A timely visit to a neurologist will help prevent serious complications and identify the root cause of inflammation/pinching of the intercostal nerve.