Intercostal neuropathy (intercostal neuralgia, neuralgia of the intercostal nerves, neuropathy of the intercostal nerves). Intercostal neuralgia - what it is and how to treat Intercostal neuropathy symptoms
Intercostal neuralgia(synonym – “ thoracic radiculitis) is a neurological pathology that occurs as a result of damage or compression of the intercostal nerves, manifested in the form of pain.
The pain experienced by patients with intercostal neuralgia is one of the most severe. On the scale, it ranks third, along with acute kidney pain.
Intercostal neuralgia is often confused with other diseases, especially if the pain occurs on the left (simulates pathologies of the heart, stomach). Often even experienced doctors are misled.
Anatomical features
The thoracic vertebra consists of a massive anterior part (body) and a posterior part, an arch from which processes extend. At the junction of the body with the arch there are vertebral notches - superior and inferior. When the lower notches of the overlying vertebra are compared with the upper ones of the underlying vertebra, an intervertebral foramen is formed. The spinal nerves leave the spinal canal through it.Anatomy of intercostal nerves:
- From the front thoracic spinal cord there are nerve bundles that carry out motor function, and from the back - sensitive.
- Then, inside the spinal canal, the anterior and posterior bundles unite to form the thoracic nerves of the spinal cord. There are a total of 12 pairs of nerves in the thoracic region, corresponding to the number of segments of the spinal cord.
- The spinal nerve exits the spinal canal through the intervertebral foramen.
- Beyond the spine pectoral nerve is divided into two bundles: anterior and posterior. The posterior one goes to the back muscles. The anterior bundle, in fact, is the intercostal nerve. The first intercostal nerve runs along the edge of the rib. All the rest are located in the thickness of the intercostal muscles, filling the spaces between the ribs.
Irritation or compression at any of these levels can lead to intercostal neuralgia. Species nerve fibers, part of the intercostal nerve:
- motor– innervate the intercostal muscles, the diaphragm, provide breathing movements;
- sensitive– provide skin and other types of sensitivity;
- vegetative– control the functions of blood vessels, sweat glands, etc.
Causes of intercostal neuralgia
The main cause of pain associated with intercostal neuralgia is compression of the thoracic spinal nerves at the point of exit from the spinal canal.Causes of intercostal neuralgia:
| Cause | Description |
| Sudden awkward movements. | Sudden movement may cause short-term compression intercostal nerve. This leads to pain. |
| Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. | Degenerative disease, characterized by the destruction of intervertebral discs. Factors leading to the development of neuralgia:
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| Injuries |  Types of injuries leading to intercostal neuralgia:
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| Infectious diseases | Infections that most often lead to the development of intercostal neuralgia:
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| Hypothermia | Cold causes irritation of the intercostal nerves, leading to attacks of intercostal neuralgia. |
| Elevated physical activity | With excessive physical strain, microtraumas of the intercostal muscles occur. |
| Radiculopathy (radicular syndrome) |  Radiculopathy is compression of the spinal root. In this case, irritation and pain extend to the intercostal nerve. |
| Herniated disc |  A disease characterized by protrusion intervertebral disc beyond the vertebra. The prolapsed part of the disc compresses the nerve emerging from the intervertebral foramen. In the thoracic spine, spina bifida are rare, since the vertebrae are connected to the ribs and take part in the formation of the chest; they are securely fixed. |
| Tumors of the spine, spinal cord, surrounding tissues |  Tumors in the area where nerves pass through the spinal foramina, reaching quite large sizes, cause their compression. |
| Spondylolisthesis |  Rarely found in the thoracic spine. It is characterized by the sliding of the overlying vertebra forward from the underlying one. As a result, both the spinal cord and the nerves extending from it are compressed. |
| Congenital defects development of vertebrae and ribs |
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| Lead poisoning | Lead renders toxic effect on nervous tissue. |
| Alcohol abuse | Ethyl alcohol has a toxic effect on nerve tissue. |
| Osteoporosis |  A disease characterized by rarefaction, destruction bone tissue. This leads to a decrease in the height of the vertebrae, their deformation, and increased fragility. |
| Hormonal disorders |
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| Hypovitaminosis |
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| Scoliosis and pronounced violations posture |  With significant curvature of the spinal column, conditions arise for compression of the intervertebral nerves. |
| Ankylosing spondylitis (ankylosing spondylitis) |  Chronic disease of the intervertebral joints, leading to deformities of the spinal column. |
| Vertebral hemangioma |  A rare condition when a benign vascular tumor is located deep in the vertebral body - hemangioma. It makes the vertebra more fragile and susceptible to injury. |
Signs of intercostal neuralgia
| Symptom (group of symptoms) | Explanation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pain in the area of the affected nerve | The leading symptom of intercostal neuralgia. The pain is very intense and occupies the third position (severe pain) on the generally accepted scale. May be comparable to hepatic or renal colic. Duration of pain:
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| Increased pain during movement and physical activity | Factors that can provoke intensification and occurrence of pain in intercostal neuralgia:
**Hereinafter when describing medications. Source: Mashkovsky M.D., “Medicines - edition 15, revised. and additional”, Moscow, LLC Publishing House “Novaya Volna”, 2005. What ointments are used in the treatment of intercostal neuralgia?
Vitamin preparations prescribed for intercostal neuralgiaWhen a nerve is compressed, its nutrition and functioning are disrupted. Therefore, for intercostal neuralgia, vitamin preparations are prescribed to help improve metabolic processes in the nervous tissue.
Physiotherapy for intercostal neuralgia
Is massage effective for intercostal neuralgia? Medical massage It is effective for intercostal neuralgia, so it is almost always included in the general treatment program.
Acupuncture for intercostal neuralgia Acupuncture (acupuncture) is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine that practices the insertion of thin metal needles into specific points on the body. Acupuncture effects:
Manual therapy for intercostal neuralgia In most cases, intercostal neuralgia is associated with compression of the nerve exiting through the intervertebral foramen. Thus, this pathological condition falls within the competence of a chiropractor. The effects that a chiropractor seeks to achieve in a patient with intercostal neuralgia:
Osteopathy for intercostal neuralgia Osteopathy is a branch of medicine that involves influencing the root cause. An osteopathic doctor, using light movements, pressure, etc., tries to eliminate factors leading to compression of the nerve in the intervertebral foramen:
Osteopathy is somewhat reminiscent of massage and manual therapy, but the effect is lighter and more accurate. Physical therapy for intercostal neuralgiaWith intercostal neuralgia, it is necessary to limit any physical activity. As the attacks subside, the patient begins to engage in physical therapy under the supervision of a specialist.Swimming is beneficial for patients with intercostal neuralgia. How to treat severe neuralgia? If, despite treatment, severe pain persists with intercostal neuralgia, then treatment is carried out in a hospital, stronger drugs are prescribed:
How to treat intercostal neuralgia at home?Neuralgia is a disease that is often accompanied by very severe pain and is treated for a long time and with great difficulty. Therefore, it is worth visiting a neurologist in any case. It is necessary to understand the causes and understand how serious the disease is.Can be used at home(after consulting with your doctor!):
Traditional methods of treating intercostal neuralgia
How is intercostal neuralgia treated during pregnancy? The treatment regimen for intercostal neuralgia in pregnant women is not much different from the standard one. Peculiarities:
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Intercostal neuralgia is a painful condition caused by irritation of the intercostal nerves or their compression. Intercostal neuralgia, the symptoms of which are usually observed in older people, is explained by age-related changes that are relevant to the condition of their blood vessels. As for children, this disease is extremely rare in them.
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 of this type neuralgia occurs against the background advanced stage, which occurs as a result of compression applied to the roots of the intercostal nerves.
Other possible causes of this disease include a number of diseases, which include, in particular, hormonal spondylopathy, progressive stages, neoplasms concentrated in the spine, etc.
An attack of the disease can be triggered by a cold or hypothermia, poisoning or infection, mental stress or injury. 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 reasons 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 pathological course processes in the area of neighboring tissues and organs. In particular, such processes may include diseases of the ribs and spine, 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 Some medications often provoke the development of complications, which occurs due to the actual breakdown of their components in the body in this case.
Overall significant content toxic substances, as well as inhalation of metal salts - all this accompanies damage to the nervous system, often provoking intercostal neuralgia.
Intercostal neuralgia: symptoms
The main symptom of intercostal neuralgia is pain, which is concentrated in the heart area. This pain, in its essence, differs from the pain that accompanies heart disease, and, first of all, in that in the case of intercostal neuralgia this pain is neuropathic in nature. In other words, it is provoked by certain diseases associated with the nervous system, as well as with its elements or damage relevant to them.
The appearance of a symptom in the form of pain in the ribs is explained by the fact that, as we have already noted, compression or irritation of the intercostal nerves occurs - you can see the essence of the process below:
Despite the fact that the nature of pain is neuropathic, it can manifest itself in different ways, being burning or aching, sharp or dull. In some cases, patients complain of episodic pain, in others the pain is constant. Naturally, given the appearance of pain due to damage, pain provoked by irritation of nerve fibers intensifies if the patient increases motor activity. So, a sudden movement of the body, loud talking, normal sneezing or abrupt change body position - all this with intercostal neuralgia will lead to a significant increase in pain.
Considering the characteristics of pain during intercostal neuralgia, we note that they also appear when certain areas of the body are palpated (that is, when they are palpated). In particular, such areas include, again, the intercostal region or spine, the chest area, etc. By the way, in the part of the chest in which sharp pain, the segment of nerve that was directly damaged is located.
It is noteworthy that the duration of pain cannot be constant - subsequently, necrosis of the nerve root simply occurs. This, in turn, leads to calmness of the patient, who does not experience symptoms of intercostal neuralgia and pain in particular. However, this is not the disappearance of the disease. So, the usual state and sensations are replaced by new ones - this is a decrease in tidal volume, which manifests itself in the form shallow breathing patient, which is also accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the chest.
Pain with intercostal neuralgia is, of course, predominantly concentrated in the area between the ribs, but it can also be noted in other areas, for example, radiating under the shoulder blade or to lumbar region. Such a reflection of pain often does not give the right to unequivocally state the primary source of nerve damage.
In addition to pain, intercostal neuralgia is accompanied by some other symptoms. In particular, these may be clearly noticeable twitching or muscle contractions. Intense sweating may also be observed, and a change in skin color is possible - it may either turn red or, conversely, have a very pale appearance. It is possible that the skin may tingle or lose sensitivity in certain areas.
The pain that occurs in the chest area is defined by doctors, as well as by the patients themselves, as “girdling” pain, which is explained by their occurrence along the intercostal spaces.
There are also some external signs, indicating the disease we are considering. Thus, patients are often in an “antalgic” position, which looks like this: the body is bent towards healthy side when attempting to maintain such a situation. This is explained by the fact that as a result of such manipulations with own body, the patient thereby stretches the intercostal spaces. As a result, the pressure decreases, the nerve endings are irritated much less, which ultimately leads to a decrease in immediate pain.
An additional role in the described tactics is played by psychological fear associated with the expectation of pain, as a result of which patients strive to maximize possible time be in a similar body position.
Difference between the disease and heart disease
Having examined the characteristics of pain and symptoms in general, we can draw some conclusions. In particular, I would like to touch upon the commonality of pain in the chest area that occurs with this type of neuralgia with certain diseases associated with the functioning of the cardiovascular system. It is the definition exact nature pain makes it possible to distinguish diseases from each other, as well as to identify the causes that provoked this pain.
It should be remembered that although pain is the main symptom indicating both neuralgia and heart disease, the nature of this pain differs in both cases.
Intercostal neuralgia is characterized by constant pain observed over a very long period of time. Naturally, in this case, it will not be possible to eliminate it using the same, one might say, traditional nitroglycerin for heart problems. Increased pain is noted, as was also stated earlier, in the event of any movement of the body or change in its position.
If we are talking about the relevance of any disease associated with the cardiovascular system, then there is already a periodic and short-term pain suppressed by the use of medications (for example, the same nitroglycerin). Pain caused by heart disease does not intensify with any body movements.
We also note that heart pain is characterized by a violation heart rate in combination with a change in blood pressure (it either increases or decreases). If we are talking about intercostal neuralgia, then its symptoms exclude such manifestations, respectively, pulse and pressure remain within normal limits.
Treatment of intercostal neuralgia
As a basis for successful treatment, undoubtedly, measures aimed at eliminating pain are used. You can get rid of them only when the impact of the irritating factor is completely eliminated. As we found out, pain occurs as a result of squeezing and compression of nerve endings; accordingly, the patient is first prescribed pain medications.
If a doctor discovers during an examination that there is an irregularity in the location of the cervical vertebrae and vertebrae of the thoracic region, they need to be “returned to their place,” which implies the need for physiotherapeutic procedures and massage.
Manual therapy can only be performed by a specialist, this is extremely important to remember! Otherwise, you may not only encounter a number of side effects caused by inept intervention, but also disability.
Osteopathy is also widely used as an additional treatment measure, the procedures of which ensure the restoration of the position of each part of the spine in accordance with their accepted anatomical location. Ultimately, there is a rapid restoration of blood circulation and normalization of lymph flow, which, in turn, restores the balance of internal nerve endings, muscles and the body as a whole.
Reflexology is also applicable in the treatment of this disease and in the recovery of the patient. To this is added physical education with a certain set of exercises. Effective treatment may be supplemented various ointments.
Concluding our article, I would like to note that intercostal neuralgia often develops into chronic stage, in which there is a systematic recurrence of pain. To avoid this, you should reconsider your lifestyle, minimizing any type of stress, the same applies to reducing the intensity of sports. Drinking alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited. Stressful situations and worries, as you know, have a negative effect on the nervous system, and therefore, if possible, they should also be reduced.
If symptoms relevant to intercostal neuralgia appear, you should consult a neurologist; in addition, a visit to a chiropractor and physiotherapist may be prescribed.
Is everything in the article correct from a medical point of view?
Answer only if you have proven medical knowledge
Diseases with similar symptoms:
Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by short-term attacks of breathlessness caused by spasms in the bronchi and swelling of the mucous membrane. A certain risk group and age restrictions this disease does not. But, as medical practice shows, women suffer from asthma 2 times more often. According to official data, today there are more than 300 million people with asthma in the world. The first symptoms of the disease most often appear in childhood. Elderly people suffer from the disease much more difficult.
Heart defects are anomalies and deformations of individual functional parts heart: valves, septa, openings between vessels and chambers. Due to their improper functioning, blood circulation is disrupted, and the heart ceases to fully perform its function. main function– oxygen supply to all organs and tissues.
Myocardial dystrophy in medicine is called repeated damage to the heart muscle. The disease does not carry inflammatory nature. Often, myocardial dystrophy is a complication of heart disease, which was accompanied by a malnutrition of the heart muscle (myocardium). As the disease progresses, a decrease in muscle tone is observed, which, in turn, is a prerequisite for the development of heart failure. Heart failure, in turn, occurs due to a decrease in blood flow to the myocardium, causing the cells to not receive what they need to survive. normal operation, amount of oxygen. Because of this, myocardial tissue can atrophy or even become necrotic.
The most common disease among diseases of the nervous system is intercostal neuralgia. She is capable of inflicting the most severe and excruciating pain on her patient. This pathology is a consequence of compression or irritation of the intercostal nerves, which leads to pain in the sternum. Many people who have never encountered this disease may confuse attacks of neuralgia with various heart diseases. Today I will tell you about the symptoms, causes and treatment of this disease, because if it is not recognized in a timely manner and treated, the consequences will not be long in coming.
The causes of this disease include both common inflammatory diseases and the use of certain medications. Very often develops in the process of age-related changes, against the background diabetes mellitus, pathological conditions spine and ribs, as well as a lack of B vitamins. People of any age and gender are susceptible to this disease. Hypothermia, constant stress and nervous overstrain can also lead to neuralgia, including intercostal neuralgia.
Main reasons:
- Chronic and acute diseases of the nervous system;
- The presence of infectious foci in the body;
- Long-term use of certain medications;
- Injuries to the spine and chest;
- Neoplasms, hernias and cysts of the spine.
The most common cause of neuralgia is still thoracic osteochondrosis. Advanced osteochondrosis leads to pathologies of the spine and surrounding nerves and muscles. This is when intercostal neuralgia begins to manifest itself.
Intercostal neuralgia symptoms and treatment at home
Now let's find out about the main symptoms of this neurological disease. The main symptom is a characteristic pain that is localized in the chest area. The more nerves affected by pinched nerves, the stronger and more extensive the pain will be. It can even radiate to the lower back or shoulder blade area.
The affected area itself may be swollen, pale, and there is a change in skin sensitivity. Distinctive feature pain with intercostal neuralgia is that it is very strong and constant. To many it even seems unbearable. Next, I will tell you how neuralgia manifests itself and how to treat it at home.
Intercostal neuralgia - symptoms
The first signs of neuralgia are, of course, pain in the chest. The pain can be on one side of the sternum or bilateral. The pain is so strong and acute that the patient feels as if it permeates the entire body. There is a feeling of burning, numbness and tingling skin. During a deep breath, the pain intensifies significantly. The main thing is not to confuse neuralgia with acute diseases of other organs. For example, symptoms may resemble renal colic or heart attack.
What should you do if you have these symptoms? Immediately call a doctor at home, and if the pain intensifies on the left side, then it is better to call an ambulance. After an ECG, the doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis (rule out heart disease).
Which doctor treats intercostal neuralgia - neurologist. Of course, you can seek help from a therapist, but more accurate diagnosis can only be carried out by a specialist in nervous diseases.
How to treat intercostal neuralgia
In this section of the article we will look at how to treat and how to treat this disease. Treatment is complex and consists of taking painkillers, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic drugs. Warming ointments and gels that have a distracting effect are also used. Has proven itself well against neuralgia acupressure.
Basic treatment:
Pain relief - includes taking analgesics for 3-5 days. For very severe and excruciating pain, the doctor can make a special blockade (injecting novocaine or lidocaine into the affected area);
Treatment of the inflammatory process - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used for these purposes. These can be either tablets or injections. Usually, the doctor first prescribes injections in the first 3 days, and for further treatment- also a remedy, but in tablets. Voltaren, nimesulide, diclofenac, movalis, and so on - these are all drugs with anti-inflammatory effects;
Relieving muscle spasms - mydocalm, baclofen or baclosan (take 1 tablet 3 times a day for no more than 7 days);
Vitamin therapy - for such diseases, doctors always prescribe B vitamins (combilipen, milgamma).
Today, you can buy special patches in pharmacies. They are able to relieve pain for 12 hours, reduce swelling and fight inflammation. They are attached to the lesion for 12 hours, then removed and a 12-hour break is taken. It is very convenient to use various medicinal ointments and creams. I will write about this form of medication in more detail below, in another section of the article.
Magnetic therapy has a good effect. If you have an ALMAG device, be sure to use it for home treatment. A course of 5-7 procedures will be enough to relieve pain and inflammation. Read the instructions for using the device at home
How to treat intercostal neuralgia during pregnancy
Unfortunately, women during pregnancy can also develop this disease. How intercostal neuralgia manifests itself in pregnant women - the symptoms are standard. What medications will be used to treat neuralgia in pregnant women directly depends on the severity of the situation.
Very often it is possible to cure with gentle methods, which include taking vitamins, massage and rubbing ointments. You should not self-medicate; only a specialist can prescribe therapy.
Exists huge variety special types of exercises for neuralgia for pregnant women, which help restore blood flow in the spine and joints, relieve pain and improve well-being.
How to treat intercostal neuralgia at home
Any form of intercostal neuralgia can be treated at home. It is enough to take medications prescribed by your doctor and stay in bed. Most often, various ointments and gels and pills are used for home treatment. The most acute phase the disease lasts no more than 5 days - it is during this period that it is important not to burden the body and follow the recommendations of a specialist.
Ointments for intercostal neuralgia
Ointments and gels for neuralgia are used externally. Good effect the treatment will be effective when you rub them in 2-3 times a day. They are able to quickly cure the disease, as they penetrate well deep into the tissue, delivering the necessary substance to the affected area. The question arises, which ointment is best to apply so that the disease goes away quickly. It is very difficult to answer this question, which ointments help better, and which are the most effective and best. All this is individual.
Note! For a better therapeutic effect, use ointments for neuralgia (fastum gel, bystrumgel, dolobene and others) together with an ointment that improves vascular blood supply. For example, capillary. It is enough to mix them in equal proportions and apply to the sore spot. The recovery period will be significantly reduced.
In addition to ointments and gels, you can use dry heat and various warming tinctures and solutions. You can make them yourself, or you can buy them in pharmacies. Liquid validol and menovazin have excellent analgesic effects.
Remember! You should not take a hot bath or steam in a sauna while you are sick. Water treatments can increase swelling and make you feel worse.
Massage for intercostal neuralgia
It is very useful to do massage for neuralgia (especially acupressure) and therapeutic exercises. Main goal Such procedures include pain relief and relaxation of affected muscles. Massage can be done both on the chest and on the back. The main condition is to first stroke and warm up the muscles, and only then begin to knead the affected area.
During the massage, you should not overdo it; this concerns kneading the most sore spot. It is advisable to conduct massage sessions with a specialist so as not to cause harm. For example, you can ask a neurologist for a referral for a massage (usually it is done in day hospital), or call a paid massage therapist to your home.
Intercostal neuralgia - treatment with folk remedies
After reading various reviews about treatment with folk remedies, I identified several recipes that really help. Here are the main ones:
Vaseline-turpentine mixture. Mix 2 parts Vaseline and 1 part turpentine. With this mixture massage movements rub the sore spot, then wrap yourself in warmth and lie down for a while;
Iodine tincture with glycerin. In a dark glass container, mix pure glycerin and pharmacy tincture iodine, shake thoroughly. It is important that this mixture is not rubbed in, but applied to the sore spot with a cotton swab at night every other day. Repeat the procedure 15 times;
Horseradish or black radish juice (freshly squeezed). It must be rubbed into the sore spot several times a day.
Traditional medicine has been used for several millennia. She can offer us more than 100 ways to get rid of various diseases. It is advisable to use it in addition to the main treatment. After all, there are situations when the disease can progress if it is not treated correctly.
Dear readers, today you learned what intercostal neuralgia is and how it is treated by official and traditional medicine. Take care of yourself and do not allow yourself to develop this disease.
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Intercostal neuralgia is a reflex pain syndrome that occurs when the intercostal nerves are compressed, irritated or inflamed. Otherwise it is also called thoracalgia. This phenomenon is unpleasant, as it is accompanied by intense pain.
The clinical symptoms of intercostal neuralgia are very similar to the symptoms of a number of diseases internal organs, in particular, the heart. That is why many patients, frightened by an attack of intercostal neuralgia, turn to a cardiologist or begin to self-medicate at home, taking heart medications.
In this regard, along with the lack correct diagnosis and adequate treatment of neuralgia, aggravates the patient's condition. And wasting time can lead to quite serious complications.
Reasons
Why does intercostal neuralgia occur, and what is it? The main cause of neuralgia is compression and irritation of the intercostal nerves due to inflammatory and degenerative changes in the spine. Most often, the pathology does not occur independently, but develops against the background of another disease.
In this regard, there are certain reasons leading to intercostal neuralgia:
- back and chest injuries;
- hypothermia;
- spinal pathologies – scoliosis, deforming spondylosis, osteochondrosis, herniated intervertebral discs;
- internal (diseases of internal organs) and external (taking medications, exposure to heavy metals) intoxication;
- transferred infectious diseases(tuberculosis, herpes zoster, brucellosis);
- malignant tumors of the lungs and pleura;
- diseases of the nervous system ( multiple sclerosis, polyradiculoneuritis);
- decreased immunity;
- allergy.
In the vast majority of cases, the “culprit” is osteochondrosis, which leads to destruction cartilage tissue, as a result of which the nerve roots are compressed and sharp pain occurs. Pathological changes in the spinal column cause muscular-tonic syndrome (impaired muscle tone), which greatly complicates the situation.
Symptoms of intercostal neuralgia
In general, intercostal neuralgia can make itself felt by a number of specific symptoms, which can be observed both comprehensively and selectively. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the body of each individual person. And it depends on this how clearly these signs will be expressed, as well as on which side - left or right.
The main symptom of this disease is pain along the intercostal space on the right or left. The intensity of pain can vary: from sharp, acute, severe, shooting (more often) to constant, medium intensity. The pain intensifies when the patient moves, when coughing and sneezing, and even when breathing. Often a person takes a forced position: leans towards the affected side in order to minimize the range of movements in it. Some patients, when coughing, laughing or sneezing, press their palm firmly against the affected intercostal space for the same purpose: to reduce the range of movements in this area so that there is less pain.
In addition, the disease is accompanied by: numbness of the affected areas, muscle tension, convulsions, increased sweating, a feeling of “crawling goosebumps” on the skin, sleep disturbance, tearfulness. Intercostal neuralgia intensifies after exercise or stress.
The difference between the symptoms of neuralgia and heart disease
This disease often mimics heart disease. For correct diagnosis, it is important to remember that in pathologies of the cardiovascular system, concomitant changes in pulse and blood pressure are detected. When intercostal nerves are damaged, this pattern is absent.
In addition, in case of pain, which is associated with disturbances in the functioning of the heart, changing body position does not in any way affect the intensity of the discomfort. When an attack of intercostal neuralgia develops, any movements, as well as deep breathing provokes increased pain. A diagnostic criterion is that nitroglycerin or similar drugs do not give a positive effect.
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 sooner the disease is diagnosed, the easier the recovery will be.
Scroll diseases with similar symptoms:
- angina pectoris;
- shingles;
- myocardial infarction;
- Bekhterev's disease;
- lung diseases;
- tumor diseases.
It is very important to distinguish intercostal neuralgia from other diseases that can even lead to death.
Diagnostics
To figure out how to treat intercostal neuralgia, it is necessary not only to diagnose the symptom, but also to determine the cause of its development.
Differential diagnosis according to clinical manifestations- an important stage in the treatment of patients. First of all, it is necessary to exclude heart pathology, since treatment of intercostal neuralgia and heart diseases require different methods therapy, and incorrect diagnosis and lost time in cardiac pathology can have crucial for the patient's condition.
To exclude other diseases, the doctor may prescribe an ECG, chest x-ray, ultrasound examination abdominal organs and others necessary research. After final verification of the diagnosis, you can begin treatment of intercostal neuralgia.
Treatment of intercostal neuralgia
Symptoms of intercostal neuralgia cannot be ignored. And intense pain is unlikely to allow you to do this. The essence of the treatment of neuralgia is as follows:
- Relieving pain and other manifestations of intercostal neuralgia using tablets.
- Elimination of pinched and (or) inflammation of the affected nerve.
- Elimination of the root cause of the disease, which, in fact, leads to the development of intercostal neuralgia.
The treatment regimen includes the use of the following methods:
- Drug therapy (analgesics and blockades, vitamins);
- Gentle treatment and limitation of mobility of the spine (chest) at the level of the lesion, wearing a corset;
- Physiotherapeutic treatment;
- Manual and reflex therapy;
- Massage and physical therapy.
If the cause of the disease is infringement of the roots of the spinal nerves, then neuralgia can only be treated by treating the pathology that led to the infringement - osteochondrosis, herniated formation of an intervertebral disc, etc.
At home as local therapy the use of ointments with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects is indicated. Does their components improve blood circulation in the affected area? and muscle relaxation occurs.
Physiotherapy and exercise therapy
Exposure to electromagnetic and magnetic fields, ultrasound, infrared and UV radiation, electrophoresis and other physiotherapeutic methods helps to combat intercostal neuralgia.
Massage
Improves metabolic processes and blood flow, relaxes muscles, normalizes the conduction of nerve impulses, and has a mild analgesic effect. The duration of treatment is 10 sessions.
Manual therapy
The effect of the massage is permanent manual therapy. When performing this procedure, the chiropractor uses his hands directly on the displaced vertebrae. During this effect, the vertebrae return to their original position, the spaces between the vertebrae widen, and pinched nerves are released. The method is effective, but if the technique is violated, serious complications are possible.
How to treat intercostal neuralgia at home
If for any reason it is not possible to seek help from a doctor, you can resort to traditional methods. U traditional medicine There are also many proven self-help recipes to relieve the symptoms of intercostal neuralgia.
So, the most effective folk remedies for treating intercostal neuralgia at home can be considered the following:
- Rubbing the affected area with alcohol has a good effect. infusion of birch buds or tincture of valerian. The substances that make up these tinctures act similarly to the components of industrially produced ointments. But you should not apply compresses with alcoholic substances at night, since alcohol can cause skin 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. short time and then such an impact will only increase the swelling of the soft tissues and bring even greater pain.
- Good to take internally peppermint decoction: 200 ml. Boil water, add 1 tablespoon of dry peppermint leaves to the boiling water, leave. Take 100 ml. morning and evening. You can add 2 teaspoons of honey to the decoction.
- Helps reduce pain along the nerves horseradish or black radish juice, which needs to be rubbed into the affected areas, as well as compresses with steamed flax seeds.
- You should take 4 tbsp. spoons of dry sage and pour them with one glass of hot water. Let this broth brew for 60 minutes, then strain. The resulting tincture should be poured into the bath (no higher than 37 degrees), pour there sea salt(4 tablespoons) and take a bath before bed for no longer than 10 minutes, for 10 days.
But we should not forget that all home self-help remedies only temporarily relieve pain, but do not eliminate it. main reason. Therefore, your main task is to undergo as soon as possible (to avoid possible complications) full examination and, if necessary, a course of treatment.
Prevention
The essence of preventing intercostal neuralgia is to follow basic rules, such as:
- Watch your diet and lifestyle.
- Avoid hypothermia.
- Avoid spinal injuries.
- Treat internal diseases of the musculoskeletal system in a timely manner.
- Exercise daily, especially when you are work activity associated with sedentary work. Maintain proper posture.
- If there is any internal disease infectious or non-infectious origin, seek help from doctors, carry out full course treatment, this will help avoid possible complications.
Which doctor should I contact?
If acute chest pain occurs, you can contact a therapist, who will definitely refer the patient for an electrocardiogram and chest x-ray. After ruling out heart and lung diseases, the patient will be treated by a neurologist. A physiotherapist, a specialist in physical therapy and massage, reflexologist, chiropractor.
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. Painful sensations can radiate to the lower back, shoulder blades. Therefore, sometimes doctors have difficulty making a diagnosis. The disease occurs on the left and right sides. 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 back pain;
- 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 of internal organs can move discs and the 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 still has doubts about making a diagnosis, he will need additional ways research:
- radiography;
- computed tomography;
- myelography.
If necessary, an abdominal ultrasound and ECG may be required.
Treatment
Therapeutic actions are carried out to eliminate pain symptom, as well as the treatment of the disease that caused neuralgia.
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 and relieve inflammation.
- Drugs that improve 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 damaged 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.
In case of nerve damage, treatment is possible with various ointments and 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
Traditional recipes will help alleviate the condition of the sick person, but only as an auxiliary 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
Pinched nerves often occur when sedentary life. 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.
