Otitis

Intercostal neuralgia. How to treat intercostal neuralgia

Intercostal neuralgia is compression or irritation of the intercostal nerves. The causes of the disease may be various diseases: osteochondrosis, trauma spinal column or chest, even common cold. In addition, the impetus can be a careless sudden movement, unusual physical activity, being in a draft, or any other situation that can cause muscle spasm, which leads to irritation of nerve endings.

Symptoms of intercostal neuralgia

This disease is characterized by:

periodic attacks of pain at the moment of inspiration. The pain can be sharp or dull, burning or aching, but it always interferes normal breathing;
possible muscle spasms, tingling in the chest;
the skin changes its usual color - turns pale or red;
sudden movements (changes in body position, coughing, sneezing) increase painful sensations;
pain can be localized in the heart area, under the shoulder blade, in lumbar region backs.

Do not confuse intercostal neuralgia with pathology of the heart muscle. The symptoms of the diseases are similar, but the treatment is completely different. Lost time due to incorrect diagnosis can be decisive, so consultation with a specialist is mandatory!

In heart disease, pain does not depend on body position or sudden movements and stops quite quickly after taking medications. Unlike this disease, with intercostal neuralgia painful sensations are long-lasting and intensify with active movement.

Symptoms of the disease can occur in adults and children, and in men the pain is usually localized on the left - in the left hypochondrium, and in women on the right - in the heart area. IN childhood Such problems are observed before puberty, when the child’s skeleton begins to actively grow.

Treatment at home

Medication treatment at home

Drug treatment of intercostal neuralgia, unfortunately, is aimed only at relieving symptoms and general support of the body, that is, the patient is prescribed a course of vitamins, with the main emphasis on B vitamins, painkillers and relaxants to relieve muscle spasms. Anti-inflammatory drugs are sometimes added to this list, but their effectiveness is increasingly being questioned. List of tablets used for pain relief:

Analgin;
Tempalgin;
Ketorolac;
Ortofen et al.

Ointments that are used to treat intercostal neuralgia:

Voltaren;
Ketonal cream;
Apizartron and others.

In addition, when treating at home, the patient is recommended to rest in bed for a period of one to three days with the maximum possible straightening of the spine, i.e., the body should be positioned horizontally on a sufficiently hard surface. To achieve this effect, you can use a kind of shield (any flat, solid object of suitable size) placed under the mattress.

After removal pain syndrome diagnostics are required to determine the real reason diseases. If it is established that intercostal neuralgia is the consequences of one of common diseases(cold, stress, infection, diabetes, etc.), then they begin to treat this particular disease.

If the problem lies in a disease of the spine, then in parallel with drug relief of pain in traditional medicine Various physiotherapeutic procedures are used: physical therapy and massage, acupuncture, laser therapy, manual therapy, ultrasound, and similar methods of relieving stress on nerve endings. At serious problems A spinal traction procedure may be prescribed.

Any physiotherapy should be prescribed by a specialist - there is a possibility of worsening the situation by using incorrectly chosen procedures.

How to relieve pain at home

The very first step is to make sure that the pain is not caused by heart disease. If it is impossible to get to a doctor, call an ambulance.

Heart problems can only be confirmed or ruled out with using ECG. Self-diagnosis in this matter is unacceptable.

If you are sure that the pain is caused by intercostal neuralgia, then you need to warm the affected area - this will slightly reduce the muscle spasm. At home, using a heating pad, mustard plaster, anti-inflammatory ointments, pepper plaster, heated salt or sand will help. A warm bandage (scarf, shawl) is applied over the warming agents or a sweater is put on.

As with drug treatment, it is necessary at least short time endure bed rest. In combination with warming the affected area, rest will relieve spasm and reduce pain.

Several recipes for folk remedies

Pain relief is only the first stage in the treatment of intercostal neuralgia. To obtain a stable result and guarantee against the return of attacks, a long course of treatment is required. This can be done using folk remedies, but only if the doctor has confirmed the diagnosis.

If the patient is not sure of the origin of the pain, the use of any means can be harmful. In addition, time will be lost to start proper treatment.

The main problem in application folk remedies– duration of the course. It is necessary to continue the procedures for a long time; stopping halfway will not bring results, and may even worsen the condition.

External use - rubs and compresses:

Glycerin and iodine

Glycerin is mixed with iodine in a 1:1 ratio.
The mixture is poured into a dark glass container (to protect it from exposure to light) and shaken thoroughly - the ingredients should be well mixed.
Use a cotton swab to apply the product to painful area back, carefully avoiding the spine area. Skin needs to be lubricated light movements, without rubbing the mixture, as this may cause a burn. Apply a loose bandage on top or simply wear underwear made from natural fabrics (not synthetics).

Iodine warms up the muscles well and relieves pain, but you need to make sure that the patient does not get caught in a random draft or make sudden movements - this can worsen the situation. It is recommended to perform the procedure before bedtime, so that you can immediately go to bed and cover yourself warmly. The course of application is 12-15 sessions with an interval of one day.

During any procedures, the spine area should not be affected. Only a competent specialist can work with the spine.

Birch bud tincture

You can collect the buds yourself (if it’s spring outside) or purchase them at the pharmacy.

pour a handful of buds with vodka (0.5 l);
leave for ten days in a cool, dark place.

Rub the affected area with birch bud tincture better in the evening. The product can be used during the day if the patient does not intend to leave the house. Be sure to wrap up the mashed area or dress warmly.

Radish or horseradish juice

Freshly squeezed juice is rubbed into the back in the direction from the spinal column (the spine itself is not affected). This product has a pronounced warming effect, but can cause irritation on the skin. Before use, you should do a test for individual tolerance. If necessary, the hot juice can be replaced with flax or wormwood seeds. The grains are poured with boiling water or steamed in a bag over steam and applied to the affected area.

Olive or sea buckthorn oil, ground with flax or wormwood seeds, will soften the skin and add effectiveness to the procedure.

Lilac buds and internal pork fat

An effective ointment can be prepared at home. Dried lilac buds are ground with internal fat at the rate of 1 part kidneys to 4 parts lard. The composition is rubbed into the sore spot as needed.

Camphor, mustard, egg white

Another version of the ointment is prepared from camphor (50 ml), dry mustard (50 g) and about 100 ml of raw egg white(one egg may not be enough). Mix camphor oil with mustard powder and add lightly beaten egg white. Mix everything thoroughly. Be sure to store the ointment in the refrigerator; warm the composition slightly in your palms before applying.

Bodyaga tincture

This freshwater sponge is infused with vodka, alcohol, moonshine for several weeks in a dark place. Rub the prepared tincture on the affected area overnight. The alcohol infusion can be prepared in advance; it withstands long-term storage.

Burdock leaves

An ordinary weed sometimes works just as well medicines. The only catch is that the leaves must be freshly cut. Alternatively, you can prepare a few leaves in advance and store them in the refrigerator, but the more time passes from the moment of collection, the less benefit will remain in the burdock. The method of application is simple - rinse the leaf and apply the inside to the affected area, wrap warmly and leave overnight.

Geranium leaves

Leaves of a houseplant (3 - 4 pieces) are applied to the sore spot and secured with a bandage made of natural fabric. Keep the compress for two hours, during which time you need to replace the geranium leaves with fresh ones several times. This remedy relieves pain well and can be used during every attack.

Valerian tincture

The product is used as a compress. A napkin made of natural fabric (linen, cotton) is moistened with tincture and placed on the painful area, covered with a film on top and wrapped warmly. In this case, just warm clothes are not enough; you need a bandage that is not too tight so that the compress remains in the desired position. At the same time, the bandage should not interfere with movements or put too much pressure on the chest, interfering with normal breathing. You can keep this compress for several hours; you should not leave it overnight - the alcohol contained in the tincture can cause a burn. Valerian relieves pain, relaxes and calms.

Potatoes and onions

Another version of the compress is made from grated on a coarse grater. raw potatoes and onions. The recommended proportion is 1:1, but it is advisable to check individual tolerance on a small area of skin. If painful sensations occur, change the proportions of the compress towards increasing the potato mass.

The resulting mixture is applied to the sore spot and the cake is held until completely dry. The compress can be secured with a bandage or simply lie down without moving until the mixture dries.

Sedatives

Decoction of mint leaves with honey

This remedy is taken orally as a sedative. The decoction is prepared from fresh or dried peppermint leaves; regular mint is not suitable for salads. It'll take a handful fresh leaves or 1 tbsp. l. dry. Pour a glass of boiling water over the herb, cover and leave for about half an hour. Then you need to strain the infusion, you can add a couple of teaspoons of honey. Take half a glass twice a day.

Infusion of lemon balm and orange peels

This too sedative. Dry and chop the orange peel (you can chop it finely before drying), mix with dry lemon balm leaves in a 1:1 ratio. Pour one tablespoon of the mixture into a glass of boiling water, cover and leave for 10 minutes, strain and add 1 tsp. alcohol infusion valerian. If desired, you can add a little honey to the mixture. Take the product twice a day, a glass, for a month.

Taking a sedative in the morning can reduce the reaction rate, which is especially dangerous for drivers, so it is recommended to reduce the dose or not drive.

Therapeutic baths

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

Young thin branches of aspen or poplar (0.5 kg) are poured with water and boiled for half an hour.
Then they insist for the same time.
The resulting decoction is added to bath water (water temperature approximately 40 degrees).

clean water

healing effect

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 well-known rules– a little movement, a little self-control and food restrictions, positive attitude- and live happily ever after.

Content

Pain in chest observed when various diseases, for example, with intercostal neuralgia. The latter pathology is more often observed in older people and occurs due to nerve irritation, osteochondrosis, hypothermia, and wearing tight underwear. To recognize the disease in time, find out how neuralgia manifests itself.

Typical symptoms of intercostal neuralgia

The disease can manifest itself differently depending on where the inflamed nerve is located and how badly it is damaged. The leading symptom of this pathology is pain, which is mostly one-sided. If the nerves on both sides of the body become inflamed, the pathology becomes symmetrical. The pain can be sharp, constant, aching, paroxysmal, and so on. If they radiate to the area of the scapula, sternum, or heart, a false diagnosis is possible.

Intercostal neuralgia - symptoms:

Temperature with neuralgia is observed at the site of the pinched nerve.
The skin over the site of inflammation is dry, pasty, pale or red.
General increase body temperature does not occur.
Another manifestation of the disease is muscle tension, worsening the condition of people. Because of it, the nerve is compressed even more, the person cannot fully move.

Right

Right-sided pathology is less common than left-sided pathology, and its symptoms are easier to eliminate. How does neuralgia manifest? The main symptom is pain, in in this case it is localized on the right. The syndrome may appear suddenly and persist long time. When moving, inhaling air, palpating the right side discomfort intensify, but do not radiate to other areas. With rest, as a rule, they subside. Other characteristic symptoms intercostal neuralgia on the right:

sensitivity is lost from the inflamed nerve;
there is no full filling of the lungs;
the irritated area is different in color from the underlying skin;
present autonomic disorders, for example, excessive sweating;
sleep disturbance and increased excitability are observed.

In the area of the heart

Diagnosis of the pathology becomes more complicated due to the fact that, due to some manifestations, it can be easily confused with heart disease. One of these signs is pain localized near the heart. Attacks occur with a certain frequency, without proper treatment they appear more and more often. Sometimes the torment is so strong that a person freezes and is afraid to take a breath. The described symptom of intercostal neuralgia in the heart area is the main one. It is important to learn to distinguish it from similar ones.

If you read articles like “Intercostal neuralgia - pain symptoms,” you can find out that pain associated with the heart disappears after taking nitroglycerin, but neuralgic pain does not. With the described pathology, only painkillers can save you. Pain due to pathology sometimes does not subside at night; in addition, a person may experience increased sweating, muscle spasm, discoloration of the skin over the pinched nerve.

Thoracic department

The signs of neuralgia can hardly be called diverse; all of them, one way or another, are associated with pain of a different nature. If pathology occurs in the chest area, a person will definitely feel a pain in the area of the intercostal spaces: either burning or aching. The syndrome appears suddenly, even if the person is at complete rest. It can be caused by abrupt change body positions, sneezing, increased physical activity.

Other symptoms of intercostal neuralgia thoracic: tingling, feeling of numbness. When palpating the chest, the patient complains of pain. In some cases, the heart rhythm is disturbed, and increased sweating is observed. Due to compression of the nerve, muscle spasm occurs, and the skin over the inflamed area turns red or pale. The surface of the chest becomes sticky and cold.

Pain due to intercostal neuralgia

Compared to myocardial infarction and angina pectoris, which have similar symptoms, pain with intercostal neuralgia intensifies when changing body position or inhaling. Characteristic sign– pain does not extend beyond the intercostal space of the chest. Strengthening of the syndrome is possible with a long stay of the body in one position, dietary errors, and stress. As suffering increases during breathing, the person may not take deep breaths. As a result, air stagnates in the lungs, the person begins to cough, intensifying the main symptom.

« 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; a tumor affecting the human nervous system. 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 of the spinal column, ribs;
Diseases 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 carry a number of new symptoms:

a person begins;
color changes in the area of disease formation skin, 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 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, an electroneuromyography (ENMG, electromyography, EMG) is performed.
Intercostal neuralgia in the chest area is determined by CT and MRI studies of the spinal column. Additionally, they look for the presence/absence of tumors or hernia in soft tissues body.
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 edema, especially if this results in 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 damage to 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, collect its leaves, finely chop them, and apply them to right side chest, wrap a warm scarf (preferably wool) on top.

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 preparation 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

Update: November 2018

Intercostal neuralgia or thoracalgia means pathological process, resulting from compression, inflammation or irritation of the intercostal nerves. The disease causes very strong and excruciating pain, which is often disguised as symptoms of diseases affecting the thoracic and abdominal cavity and spine.

The word neuralgia itself literally means nerve pain. With neuralgia, the pain syndrome spreads along the nerve, making the natural movements of the chest “inhale-exhale” extremely painful. Intercostal neuralgia is a symptom that has specific causes. The symptoms of neuralgia are vivid, but such clinical severity often makes one think about serious pathologies heart, stomach and spine, forcing the doctor to follow a false diagnostic path. Our article is about intercostal neuralgia, symptoms and treatment of this syndrome.

Causes of intercostal neuralgia

The causes of neuralgia are absolutely different origins. Rare, but still possible reason intercostal neuralgia is pathological change intercostal nerves due to damage to their sheaths (nerve demyelination).

Injuries, intoxication

Provoke this pain symptom microtraumas, injuries and intoxications of the body can occur, both external (bacterial toxins, heavy metals, some medications) and internal (due to diseases of internal organs).

Infectious diseases and pathologies of the spine

Pathologies of the spine and musculo-ligamentous apparatus are the main cause of neuralgia - osteochondrosis, osteoporosis, scoliosis, vertebral displacement, accessory ribs, herniated intervertebral discs, deforming spondylosis. Muscle spasm and inflammation of the intercostal muscles cause compression of the intercostal nerves and also provoke a neuralgic symptom complex. A number of diseases and infections can ultimately lead to neuralgia - polyradiculoneuritis, multiple sclerosis, tuberculosis, ARVI, herpes zoster, pleurisy, aortic aneurysm. Compression of nerves by tumor-like formations and sclerotic tissues leads to the development of neuralgia.

Have a significant role in the development of neuralgia common factors such as alcohol abuse, decreased immunity, chronic fatigue, as well as pathologies endocrine system (diabetes mellitus, thyrotoxicosis), digestive tract due to vitamin B deficiency ( peptic ulcer, gastritis, hepatitis, colitis), heart disease and circulatory system (, arterial hypertension, rheumatism, anemia).

Hormonal changes, age

Women during menopause are at a certain risk of developing intercostal neuralgia, when osteoporosis occurs due to hormonal changes, as well as older people who have age-related changes tissues and organs (see).

To summarize, it should be noted that intercostal neuralgia extremely rarely develops under the influence of a single factor. As a rule, the provocateur of intercostal neuralgia is several causes, acting simultaneously or sequentially.

Symptoms of intercostal neuralgia

For a patient diagnosed with intercostal neuralgia, the symptoms of this disease literally poison the life of a patient, as they are extremely painful from the first manifestation. A pain syndrome of pronounced intensity occurs, spreading along the intercostal spaces, i.e. spreading along the nerve. The intensity of pain increases with inspiration, with movements and turns of the body, coughing and loud conversation. The piercing pain does not stop at rest and bothers the patient, intensifying without any apparent reason. The duration of a painful attack varies from several hours to several days.

Distinctive features of intercostal neuralgia, characteristic of the classic course of the disease:

pain syndrome can range from slight stabbing to high intensity, with a feeling of burning, severe pain comparable to;
palpation of the intercostal space with the affected nerve causes a sharp increase in pain;
a person clearly feels the movement of pain along the intercostal nerve and can show the spread of a pain wave;
the skin over the affected area may completely or partially lose sensitivity.

Secondary symptoms of neuralgia of this localization:

increased sweating
hyperemia or paleness of the skin
contraction of individual muscle segments

With the symptoms of neuralgia described above, diagnosis is not a problem, but the disease can masquerade as other diagnoses due to its varied pain symptoms. The nature of the pain can be aching and even dull, with periodic intensification or constantly present painful discomfort.

In addition to the typical localization in the intercostal spaces, pain can radiate to the lower back, shoulder blade, heart and stomach. This is explained simply - the intercostal nerves have small branches that extend to the above organs and parts of the body.

Despite this disguise, neuralgic pain is still easy to distinguish from pain associated with a particular pathology: when localized, it will not be relieved by nitroglycerin, but will be reduced under the influence of sedatives and sedatives (Corvalol, Validol, Valocordin); when projecting pain at the location of the stomach, antispasmodics will not help.

How does heart pain differ from neuralgia pain? Painful sensations with intercostal neuralgia are constant, intensifying when turning the body, bending, deep breath, sneezing, coughing, when palpating the ribs and the spaces between them. With ischemic heart disease (angina), the pain is clearly related to the load (occurs during physical activity and goes away after it stops) and is not stabbing, but squeezing (less often pressing) in nature. The pain occurs sharply and goes away quickly, especially when taking nitroglycerin; pain in the heart does not intensify when changing position or taking a deep breath; most often, heart pain is accompanied by a change in blood pressure (decrease or increase) and a disturbance in the rhythm of the pulse.

Treatment of intercostal neuralgia

Required volume therapeutic measures prescribed after examining the patient and confirming the diagnosis. You should not engage in self-diagnosis, since pain may mask renal colic, heart diseases. You should promptly consult a doctor who can prescribe an x-ray of the lungs, an ECG, or an ultrasound of the abdominal organs.

If the cause of the disease is pinched roots spinal nerves, then only treatment of the pathology that led to the infringement - osteochondrosis, hernia formation - can cope with neuralgia intervertebral disc etc. Specific drug therapy- non-steroidal and steroid painkillers (including in the form of epidural injections), muscle relaxants, therapeutic massage and gymnastics, manual therapy. In severe cases, spinal column traction is prescribed or surgical correction identified pathologies.

At viral etiology neuralgia (shingles, ARVI) a specific antiviral treatment with the use of immunostimulating therapy.

General therapeutic measures

With strong pain manifestations the patient is prescribed strict bed rest with staying on a hard surface and maximum immobilization - excluding sudden movements that provoke pain.

To relieve pain, painkillers are prescribed (analgin, spasgan and others), as well as novocaine and lidocaine blockades, which allow local pain relief to the inflamed area.

Drug treatment of intercostal neuralgia consists of taking anti-inflammatory drugs in tablets (Voltaren, Celebrex, indomethacin), they are used to relieve inflammation in the affected area (see all NSAIDs in tablets and). Muscle relaxants (sirdalud, tizanidine, baclofen) are prescribed to relieve muscle spasms and B vitamins, without which normal functioning of the nervous tissue is impossible.

Physiotherapeutic techniques are also used to reduce pain:

iontophoresis with novocaine
reflexology with impact on special zones skin, responsible for the sensitivity of the intercostal nerves
vacuum therapy
pharmacopuncture with the introduction of drugs into acupuncture points
and laser treatment

In the complex therapeutic activities plays not the last place local treatment– creams and ointments with analgesic, warming and anti-inflammatory effects, which have a relaxing and warming effect and indirectly reduce pain threshold sensitivity (see). They have proven themselves well in this regard local drugs, containing the poisons of some insects, the pepper patch also helps to relax muscles and reduce pain.

Treatment of intercostal neuralgia using traditional methods

Rubbing with tincture of valerian or infusion of birch buds is effective - their effect is in no way inferior to ointments. industrial production. However, for the night alcohol compresses It is better not to apply it - prolonged exposure to alcohol can lead to burns.
Warming up also helps, but the thermal effect for intercostal neuralgia should not be direct, that is, do not apply a heating pad, hot potato or egg, but wrap yourself in a down scarf or knitted woolen item. If you heat the painful area too much, the pain will go away for a short time and then such an effect will only increase the swelling of the soft tissues and bring even greater pain.
It is recommended to take the decoction internally:
- chamomile
- peppermint,
- infusion medicinal mixture from lemon balm leaves, honey, orange peels and valerian tincture
- barberry decoction.
For local application Black radish juice or horseradish juice is used on the affected areas. Compresses based on steamed flax seeds help a lot.
Indoor geranium helps to quickly reduce pain, rub a leaf of it on the painful area and wrap the affected area with a woolen scarf.
Sea salt helps relieve tension and reduce pain.
To prevent chronic neuralgia, it is important to exclude the effects of harmful associated factors such as psycho-emotional stress, heavy physical activity, alcohol abuse, and also treat existing diseases nervous system, systems and organs, etc.

Early contact with specialists helps to quickly and effectively treat intercostal neuralgia, the symptoms of which should be distinguished from other diseases and exclude the possibility of the pathology becoming chronic.

Inflammation of the intercostal nerve in any of the twelve ribs (or) is felt as pain in the back and chest. That is why a significant number of patients first of all turn to the doctor, considering this a sign heart attack. If the nerve in the hypochondrium is inflamed, some people consider this a sign of gallbladder disease.

Inflammation of the intercostal nerve - symptoms

The main symptom of intercostal nerve inflammation is pain in the chest area, which can be bilateral, stabbing, sharp or aching.
The pain is centered around the chest area on both sides and may radiate from the back to the front.
Sometimes there is pain when breathing, laughing, or sneezing.
The pain increases with physical activity.

Other symptoms are:

Bilateral pain radiating to the back.
Pain in the ribs, especially on the left side, which may be mistaken for heart pain or angina.
Numbness and/or tingling.
Abdominal pain is also a symptom of intercostal neuralgia.
Loss of appetite.
Pain in the arms and/or shoulders. Direction of pain on the left side shoulder joint and shoulder pain are often mistaken for heart pain or angina.

Some more serious symptoms:

One of the symptoms of intercostal neuralgia with inflammation of the nerve of the chest or rib is pain that radiates to the left hand, shoulder and back.
Constant cough with yellowish-green sputum.
Heart rate increased.
Difficulty breathing.
Acute pain in the abdomen.
Sharp chest pain when breathing or coughing.
Sudden confusion, dizziness, or change in level of consciousness.
Paralysis and muscle atrophy.

Causes of development of intercostal neuralgia

Inflammation of the nerve in the intercostal space can be caused by:

infections,
inflammations,
injuries,
other processes.

One of the most common causes of intercostal neuralgia is surgery chest cavity, which can cause damage to the intercostal nerves.

Some of the reasons are also:

Wound to the chest or rib.
Pinched intercostal nerve.
Degeneration of nerves.
Neuritis.
Pregnancy.
Rib infection.
Surgical procedure in and around the chest cavity.
Tumors around the chest or abdomen.
Injuries to the ribs and intercostal nerves.

Treatment of inflammation of the intercostal nerve

Depending on the cause of the pain, the type of treatment is selected.

In cases where the nerve gets into the suture after surgery, then suture material must be cut out.
Painkillers for neuropathic pain and capsaicin cream are good for relieving pain associated with nerve inflammation.
Sometimes doctors recommend an epidural injection.
In some cases, blocks using local anesthesia or corticosteroids.
NSAIDs can also help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Antidepressants for intercostal neuralgia help in calming the pain.
Antihistamines are used to relieve itching.
Antiviral medications reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.
Corticosteroids help in reducing the risk of postherpetic neuralgia.
Other treatments for intercostal neuralgia include cold therapy, acupuncture, yoga, etc.

Inflammation can also occur as a result of pinching. In this case, the treatment is practically no different from