Intercostal neuralgia is compression or irritation of the intercostal nerves. The causes of the disease can 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 pain;
• the pain can be localized in the heart area, under the shoulder blade, in the lumbar back.

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 the pain is prolonged and intensifies 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 region of the heart. 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 pain relief, 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 They use various physiotherapeutic procedures: 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 a heart disease. If it is impossible to get to a doctor, call an ambulance.

Heart problems can only be confirmed or ruled out using an 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 to 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 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 begin proper treatment.

The main problem in using folk remedies is the 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

1. Glycerin is mixed with iodine in a 1:1 ratio.
2. 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.
3. Use a cotton swab to apply the product to painful area back, carefully avoiding the spine area. You need to lubricate the skin with light movements, without rubbing the mixture, as this can 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.

It is better to rub the affected area with birch bud tincture 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 as well as medicine. 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 raw potatoes and onions grated on a coarse grater. 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 is also a 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 with a glass of boiling water, cover and leave for 10 minutes, strain and add 1 tsp. alcohol infusion of 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.

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

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

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



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

Symptoms of intercostal neuralgia on the left under the ribs, in the side, under the scapula - how to treat?

Pain and limited mobility are the main signs of thoracalgia. Pain surrounds the chest when intercostal neuralgia occurs. Symptoms on the left indicate a unilateral course of the disease. They are often confused with signs characteristic of cardiovascular disease.

The appearance of pain syndrome is provoked by pinching, irritation or inflammation of the nerves located in the intercostal spaces. Thoracic radiculitis does not develop independently; it is caused by diseases of the spine. Middle-aged and older patients are at risk. In children, thoracic radiculitis occurs in exceptional cases.

Some patients, before the onset of thoracic thoracalgia, do not know about the presence of ailments that cause serious threat their health and life.

Thoracalgia is a secondary disease. Damage to nerve fibers is caused by long-term currents in the body pathological processes. Often intercostal neuralgia on the left occurs due to:

• tumor growth on the spinal cord;
• constant poisoning with chemicals;
• inflammation;
• damage to the myelin sheath;
• deficiency of B vitamins;
• diseases of the spinal column;
• diabetes mellitus;
• infections (flu, tuberculosis);
• rib diseases;
• deformed sternum;
• aortic aneurysm;
• pleurisy;
• allergies;
• multiple sclerosis.

Some patients, before the onset of thoracic thoracalgia, are not aware of the presence of ailments that pose a serious threat to their health and life. Therefore, the doctor tries to understand not only the signs of neuralgia, but also to determine the reasons that caused it. Treatment gives positive results, if you simultaneously eliminate the root cause of thoracic radiculitis and its symptoms.

The following are recognized as direct provocateurs of intercostal neuralgia:

• injury to the chest and spinal column;
• hypothermia of the thoracic spine;
• intoxication of the body (food, medicinal, alcohol, chemical);
• hormonal imbalance;
• age-related changes;
• overstrain of the back muscles, leading to muscle inflammation or spasm (prolonged stay in static positions, excessive physical activity, jerks when moving);
• stressful situations;
• infection of nerve tissue;
• menopause in women.

Symptoms

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

Due to the similarity of symptoms, intercostal neuralgia is often mistaken for other pathologies. Doctor during diagnosis, comparing distinctive features, differentiates thoracic radiculitis from: ulcers, pancreatitis, pleurisy, atypical pneumonia, cardiovascular diseases.

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

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

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

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

General signs

Symptoms of left intercostal neuralgia include:

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

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

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

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

Symptoms associated with the underlying causes of the disease

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

The disease is accompanied by symptoms inherent in:

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

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

Symptoms in men and women

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

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

Treatment options

Intercostal neuralgia requires serious treatment. Only a doctor can determine the root causes, symptoms and treatment. If you do not treat the disease, it will become severe.

Eliminating pain is the first priority complex therapy. At acute course Intercostal neuralgia requires strict adherence to bed rest. The patient is placed in a bed with a hard surface. They recommend that he find a comfortable position in which the pain will subside.

Drug treatment

For pain on the left side, medications with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects are prescribed. They quickly relieve pain in the hypochondrium and significantly alleviate the patient’s condition.

Medicines are prescribed taking into account the patient’s age, severity of the disease and pathology of the digestive system. For treatment the following is prescribed:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablets or injections: Diclofenac, Meloxicam, Indomethacin, Rofecoxib;
• medications that relieve spasms: Tolperil, Mydocalm, Baklosan, Siralud;
• drugs with a sedative effect: Persen, Sedasen, motherwort extract, Novopassit;
• B vitamins: Neurorubin, Neurobion, Milgamma. (they restore nerve fibers).

Intercostal neuralgia is treated with local medications. To relieve symptoms the following is prescribed:

• drugs with anti-inflammatory effect: DIP-relief, Dolobene, Fastum-gel;
• ointments and gels that have an anesthetic effect: Capsicam, Voltaren, Menovazin, Finalgon;

Physiotherapy, massage and exercise therapy

Helps fight intercostal neuralgia:

• acupuncture;
• exposure to ultrasound and laser;
• manual therapy;
• electrophoresis;
• magnetic therapy;
• therapeutic exercises;
• massage.

Traditional medicine

Helps treat illness traditional medicine. Using them, they get rid of pain and relieve inflammation. Signs of intercostal neuralgia are eliminated using the following recipes:

1. Place in gauze flaxseeds, steam them. Make an application on the left side.
2. The juice is squeezed out of horseradish root. Apply the product to the affected side.
3. Steamed wormwood is combined with sea ​​buckthorn oil. Make applications on left side chest, at the location of the pain.
4. The affected side is treated with alcohol, wiped dry, and a pepper plaster is fixed to the skin.
5. Apply to the affected side dry heat: bags of heated salt or sand.

The disease quickly recedes if the patient takes medicinal baths. Warm water with herbal infusions eliminates pain and inflammation. Baths are prepared using a specific composition:

1. Take 500 g of aspen branches, boil them for 30 minutes, and leave. The product is filtered and added to the bath. Bath in the medicinal solution for 15 minutes. After the procedure, fir oil is rubbed into the affected side.
2. Brew 4 tbsp in 250 ml of boiling water. spoons of sage, leave for 1 hour, filter. Pour 100 g of sea salt into the bath and add sage infusion. The duration of the procedure is 15 minutes.
3. Add 5 drops of eucalyptus and lavender oil to a mixture of milk and honey (100 ml and 1 tablespoon, respectively). Pour the composition into the bath and bathe for 10 minutes. Do not wash off after the procedure medicinal solution, simply dry the skin with a towel. The procedure is performed every other day.

Prevention

The development of intercostal neuralgia is prevented by daily exercises, kneading the body, self-massage, proper nutrition. It is necessary to give your body adequate physical activity every day. Do not be in a draft or be exposed to hypothermia. The diet should contain foods rich in B vitamins.

Most often, pain in the chest is mistaken for a heart attack, various diseases of the 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 acute pain. Intercostal neuralgia symptoms and treatment are strictly defined, which 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 the 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 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 some pathological change is occurring in the body. 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 diagnose accurate diagnosis patient and start 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 organs abdominal cavity.

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.

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac, Meloxicam), they will relieve pain and provide direct action on the inflammatory process in the body. These products have several dosage forms: injection solutions, tablets, ointments, suppositories.
2. Muscle relaxants (Sirdalur, Tolperil), which reduce the severity of spasm of muscle fibers.
3. Sedatives based on herbal components (Sedasen, Persen, Novo-Passit).
4. B vitamins (Neurobion, Neurorubin). Vitamin B restores damaged nerve structures, improve the passage of impulses through them.
5. Painkillers. 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 can help improve metabolic processes and blood flow in the 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 special ointments at home, herbal infusions, compresses that have an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.

1. Glycerin and honey. The ingredients must be taken in equal quantities, mixed and applied to the affected areas. Use once every two days.
2. Chamomile and peppermint. Pour 1 tbsp of hot water. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 using 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 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 of the musculoskeletal system;
• ensure correct posture;
• do regularly physical exercise;
• treat infectious diseases at the first manifestations.

Conclusion

Intercostal neuralgia is a fairly 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.

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 anterior thoracic region spinal cord Nerve bundles emerge that perform a motor function, and from the back – a sensitive one.
• Then, inside the spinal canal, the anterior and posterior bundles unite to form the thoracic nerves of the spinal cord. Total in thoracic region 12 pairs of nerves, corresponding to the number of spinal cord segments.
• 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.

Types of nerve fibers that make up 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.

The intercostal nerves partially pass onto the abdominal walls.

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: Reducing the height of intervertebral discs. As a result of their destruction, subsidence of the spinal column occurs. The vertebrae move closer to each other, the diameter of the intervertebral foramina decreases, and the spinal nerves passing through them are compressed. Development of the inflammatory process. It often involves the site where the nerve exits the spinal canal. Biologically active substances, leukocytes and antibodies accumulate in the inflammatory focus, causing nerve irritation. Pathological changes in the vertebrae. Bone outgrowths form on the vertebral bodies - osteophytes. They compress the nerves passing through the intervertebral foramina.
Injuries	Types of injuries leading to intercostal neuralgia: bruises of the back and chest; rib fractures; vertebral fractures, especially compression ones, when the vertebra seems to be flattened in height. During an injury, the nerve is irritated. IN long term pain may be caused by retraction of the nerve into the scar or compression by callus.
Infectious diseases	Infections that most often lead to the development of intercostal neuralgia: cold viral diseases, especially flu; herpes zoster (herpes virus infection). Pathogenic microorganisms, once in the human body, release toxins that can spread through the bloodstream. They can cause damage to intercostal and other nerves.
Hypothermia	Cold causes irritation of the intercostal nerves, leading to attacks of intercostal neuralgia.
Increased 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 of the 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 from the underlying one forward. As a result, both the spinal cord and the nerves extending from it are compressed.
Congenital malformations of vertebrae and ribs	wedge-shaped vertebrae: right side vertebra below the left or vice versa, resulting in a distortion of the spine, compression of one or more spinal nerves; absence or duplication of a rib: in this case, the spine takes on an incorrect configuration; spondylolysis: the body and the vertebral arch are located separately, they are not connected, as a result of which the body gradually moves forward, the shape of the intervertebral foramen is disrupted.
Lead poisoning	Lead renders toxic effect on nervous tissue.
Alcohol abuse	Ethanol has a toxic effect on nervous 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	menopause: hormonal changes during menopause lead to the destruction of bone tissue, osteoporosis; diabetes mellitus: the disease leads to impaired blood circulation in small vessels, oxygen supply to the bones.
Hypovitaminosis	With a lack of B vitamins, metabolic processes in the nervous tissue are disrupted. During rickets, – hypovitaminosisD, - bone deformation occurs, which can subsequently lead to compression of the nerves.
Scoliosis and severe postural disorders	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: constant; in the form of attacks. Nature of pain: dull; aching; burning; piercing. Most often, pain occurs on one side, spreads along the affected nerve, as if encircling half of the chest.
Increased pain during movement and physical activity	Factors that can provoke intensification and occurrence of pain in intercostal neuralgia: Preparation* Description Directions for use** Analgin (syn.: Metamizole Sodium, Baralgin, Spazdolzin). One of the most common medications used for pain of various origins. It has analgesic and, to a lesser extent, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects. Release forms: tablets of 0.05, 0.1, 0.15 (for children) and 0.5 g. injection solution 1 – 2 ml 25% - 50%. Use for neuralgia: In tablets: Adults: 0.25 - 0.5 g 2 - 3 times a day. Children: 5 – 10 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. In injections: Adults: 1 - 2 ml of 25% - 50% solution 2 - 3 times a day. Children: 0.1 – 0.2 ml of 50% solution for every 10 kg of body weight. Tempalgin Combined drug. Includes Analgin and Tempidine (a mild tranquilizer). Adults take 1 tablet for pain. Baralgin (synonyms: Bral, Spazgan, Spazmalgon, Spazmalgin) It is a combination drug with a pronounced analgesic effect. Compound: analgin– analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent; pitofenone hydrochloride– a drug that blocks nerve impulses in the autonomic nervous system; fenpiverinium bromide- a drug that blocks nerve impulses in the autonomic nervous system. Release forms: in tablets; in ampoules for injection. Application (adults): in tablets: take 1 tablet for pain 1 – 3 times a day; in injections: administer the solution intramuscularly or intravenously (slowly!) for pain. Ketorolac (syn.: Ketalgin, Ketorol) Strong pain reliever. The most powerful among non-hormonal and narcotic drugs. Release forms: tablets 0.01 g; solution in ampoules of 3% - 1 ml. Application: Intravenous and intramuscular Ketorol is prescribed in a dosage of 0.01 - 0.03 g every 6 - 8 hours. Maximum daily dose– 0.09 g. Ortofen (syn.: Diclofenac, Voltaren, Clofenac, Ultrafen, Etifenac) It has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Release forms: tablets 0.015 (for children) and 0.025 (for adults) g; injection solution 75 mg – 3 ml. *Hereinafter when describing medications: the information is for informational purposes only. Treatment must be prescribed by a doctor. Self-administration of drugs can lead to negative consequences. **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? Name of ointment Description Directions for use Voltaren (Ortofen) Anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug Diclofenac in the form of an ointment. Apply directly to the area where the pain is localized. Apply 2-3 grams of ointment to the sore spot 3-4 times a day. Ketonal cream and Ketonal gel Painkiller Ketorol in the form of gel and cream. Apply directly to the area where the pain is located. Apply a small amount of cream or gel 2 times a day to the sore spot. Rub well into the skin. Continue the course of treatment for no more than 7 days. Apizartron Ointment German made based on bee venom. Effects: irritates the nerve endings of the skin; increases blood flow; accelerates excretion biologically active substances, supporting the inflammatory process; eliminates pain. Application: squeeze 3–5 cm of ointment onto your finger; apply a 1 mm thick layer of ointment to the sore spot; leave for 2 - 3 minutes, then cleanse the skin. There should be redness and a feeling of warmth at the site where the ointment is applied. Apizartron is used 2-3 times a day. Viprosal B Combined ointment. Compound: viper venom – irritates the nerve endings on the skin, thereby eliminating pain; turpentine ointment – ​​warming effect; camphor - like viper venom, has an irritating effect on the skin nerve endings. Rub the ointment 1 – 2 times a day into the sore spot. The course of treatment is continued depending on the doctor’s prescriptions. Menovazin ointment Compound: 2.5 g of menthol: irritates the nerve endings of the skin, dilates subcutaneous blood vessels, enhances the analgesic effect, creates a feeling of coolness; 1 g of benzocaine: is a local anesthetic, eliminates pain; 1 g of procaine: is a local anesthetic, eliminates pain. Menovazine is applied to the sore spot and thoroughly rubbed into the skin 2 – 3 times a day. The duration of the course of treatment is determined by the doctor. Turpentine ointment Effects: local irritation of the nerve endings of the skin; anesthesia; destruction of pathogenic microorganisms (turpentine is an antiseptic). Rub into the skin at the site of pain 1 – 2 times a day. Finalgon An ointment consisting of 2-butoxyethyl alcohol And vanillylnonamide. Effects: warming due to vasodilation; anti-inflammatory; anesthetic. The drug is available in tubes, the kit includes a special applicator. It is necessary to squeeze 0.5 cm of ointment onto the applicator, apply to the sore spot and rub thoroughly. Wrap yourself in woolen cloth. Finalgon takes effect 20–30 minutes after application. Vitamin preparations prescribed for intercostal neuralgia When a nerve is compressed, its nutrition and functioning are disrupted. Therefore, for intercostal neuralgia, they are prescribed vitamin preparations, helping to improve metabolic processes in nervous tissue. Drug name Description Methods of application VitaminB1 (Thiamin) One of the most important vitamins for nervous tissue. Takes part in metabolic processes, protects nerve cells from free radicals. The drug is available in ampoules of 1 and 2 ml in the form of a solution of 2.5% and 5%. Administer one ampoule intramuscularly every other day. Calcium pantothenate A substance belonging to the group of vitamins. Participates in education mediators– connections that ensure impulse transmission between nerve cells. Release forms: in tablets of 0.1 g; solution in ampoules 10% - 2, 5 and 10 ml; solution in ampoules 25% - 2 ml. Application: In tablet form: adults: 0.1 – 0.2 g 2 to 4 times a day; children 1 – 3 years old, 0.005 – 0.01 g; children 3 – 14 years old 0.1 – 0.2 g per dose. In the form of injections: adults: 1 – 2 ml of 20% solution or 2 – 4 ml of 10% solution 1 or 2 times a day; children under 3 years of age: 0.5 - 1.0 ml of 10% solution 1 or 2 times a day; children 3 – 14 years old: 1 – 2 ml of 10% solution 1 or 2 times a day. Vitamin B6 (Thiamin) Thiamine is one of the most important vitamins for the functioning of the nervous system. It takes part in the exchange of amino acids and the synthesis of certain mediators (substances that ensure the transmission of nerve impulses between individual nerve cells). Release form: 1.0%, 2.5% and 5% solution in ampoules of 1 ml and 2 ml. Directions for use: adults: 0.05 - 0.1 g per day every other day; children: 0.02 g per day every other day. Typically, administration of vitamin B6 alternates with administration of vitamin B1 - every other day. Pentovit Complex vitamin preparation. Compound: vitamin B1 ( thiamine chloride); vitamin B6 ( pyridoxine hydrochloride); nicotinamide; vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamid). Physiotherapy for intercostal neuralgia Procedure name Mechanism of action for intercostal neuralgia Application Laser (quantum) therapy Impact laser beam to the affected area. Effects: anti-inflammatory; antiallergic; promotion defensive reactions fabrics; improved regeneration; dilation of blood vessels, improvement of blood flow, acceleration of the elimination of substances involved in the inflammatory reaction. The laser beam is applied in the places where the nerves emerge from the intervertebral foramina: from the back, to the right and left of the spinal column. The duration of the procedure is up to 10 minutes. The general course consists of 10 – 15 procedures. Electrophoresis with drugs Electrophoresis is a method of physiotherapy that involves introducing medications into the human body through the skin using a weak electric current. For intercostal neuralgia, electrophoresis is done with analgin (painkiller), novocaine (anesthetic). Two electrodes are placed on the skin in the affected area: positive and negative. A cloth soaked in solution is placed between the electrodes and the skin. medicinal substance. The device is adjusted so that the patient feels a slight tingling sensation on the skin. The session lasts about 5 minutes. Total quantity sessions – 10. UHF therapy UHF therapy – effects on the human body electric field ultra high frequency. Therapeutic effects for neuralgia: increased blood and lymph flow; reduction of tissue swelling caused by the inflammatory process; expansion of capillaries, small arteries; reducing the impact on tissue of toxic substances and pathogens. During the procedure, plates are placed on the patient's body that generate ultra-high frequency electrical currents. In this case, the patient should lie on a wooden couch or bed. The device is adjusted so that the patient feels warmth in the area of ​​the plates. The session lasts from 5 to 10 minutes. The total duration of the course is 10 – 15 sessions. Darsonval Electric currents Darsonval, which are used in physical therapy, have four characteristics: high frequency, high voltage, low force, fast attenuation. Therapeutic effects for intercostal neuralgia: local irritation (during the procedure, tingling and redness of the skin are noted); activation defense mechanisms; increased blood flow in small vessels. The working part of devices for darsonvalization – glass tube. Electrical discharges are created in it, and it is this that is used to massage the affected area for intercostal neuralgia. Sparks jump between the tube and the skin, resulting in a tingling sensation and a characteristic crackling sound. The duration of the procedure is 5 – 10 minutes. The total number of sessions is 10. 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. Effects of massage for intercostal neuralgia improvement of blood flow in capillaries and small arteries; strengthening metabolic processes in tissues, accelerating the elimination of toxins and substances involved in the development of the inflammatory process; warming up the skin and underlying tissues; improvement of blood supply and activation of recovery processes in muscles; analgesic effect; improving the function of nervous tissue, improving the conduction of nerve impulses; general calming effect. On what areas of the body is massage performed for intercostal neuralgia? on the back; on the chest (front). What conditions must be met? Before the first session, the massage therapist must check with the patient on which side and at what level the pain occurs; the massage should begin on the opposite, healthy side, and then move to the sick one; with bilateral intercostal neuralgia, massage begins from the place where the pain is weakest; The massage therapist's actions must be careful and rough influence must be avoided. How is massage performed? First, the patient lies on his stomach on a massage table, with a special pillow placed under his chest. Do a back massage. Then he turns over on his back and massages the chest. How long is the session? The first massage session lasts 15 minutes. During subsequent sessions, the time is increased. What is the total duration of the course? 10 sessions. Acupuncture for intercostal neuralgia Acupuncture (acupuncture) - direction of traditional Chinese medicine, the practice of inserting thin metal needles into specific points on the body. Acupuncture effects: anesthetic; anti-inflammatory; calming; increasing defense mechanisms; increased blood flow and metabolism in the affected area. IN modern clinics Acupuncture belongs to a separate branch of medicine - reflexology. Many hospitals have rooms where acupuncture is practiced. This method is often used as part of comprehensive program treatment of intercostal neuralgia. 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. Effects sought to be achieved chiropractor in a patient with intercostal neuralgia: elimination of nerve compression and pain; normalization of posture; improving overall musculoskeletal function. 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 that led to compression of the nerve in the intervertebral foramen: deformation bone structures (joints between vertebrae, ribs); excessive stress intercostal muscles, back muscles; violation of the outflow of blood and lymph; pathological ligament tension. Osteopathy is somewhat reminiscent of massage and manual therapy, but the effect is lighter and more accurate. Physical therapy for intercostal neuralgia With 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, intercostal neuralgia persists severe pain, then treatment is carried out in a hospital, more strong remedies: blockade– injection of the nerve area with anesthetic solutions (Novocaine, etc.); tranquilizers – medicines, eliminating anxiety and excessive nervous tension caused by constant pain; sedatives means of various groups. Indications for surgical treatment intercostal neuralgia: herniated disc; pronounced osteochondrosis, accompanied by significant changes in the spinal column; various spinal tumors, spinal cord, surrounding tissues; other spinal diseases requiring surgical treatment. 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!): anti-inflammatory and warming ointments; folk remedies(see below); home physiotherapy devices: Darsonval, devices for magnetic therapy; call a massage therapist to your home; use various massagers yourself. Traditional methods of treating intercostal neuralgia Method Description Wearing a wool shawl Wrap a woolen shawl around the sore spot and walk like this throughout the day. Effects: warming; increased blood flow; reduction of pain. Ginger, turmeric, pepper compress Ingredients: hot chili pepper – 0.5 teaspoon; dried ginger root powder – 2 teaspoons; Turmeric powder – 1 teaspoon. Cooking method: mix all ingredients with a small amount warm water until a homogeneous paste is obtained; spread the resulting mixture onto a piece of cloth; apply to the sore spot, wrap with a bandage; wear it as long as possible until it starts to burn badly. Effects: warming up; increased blood flow; reduction of pain, acceleration of metabolism and removal of toxic products and inflammatory agents from the lesion. Tincture of aloe, celandine, red pepper Ingredients: one medium-sized red hot pepper; medium-sized crushed aloe leaf; 1 tablespoon of crushed celandine leaves; 0.5 l of vodka. Preparation: pour vodka over ingredients; leave for 10 days in a dark place; subsequently store in the refrigerator. Application: Rub into the sore spot 2-3 times a day until the symptoms stop bothering you. Tincture of calendula and meadowsweet Ingredients: 30 g of dried and crushed meadowsweet root, or 20 g of fresh flowers; 5 g calendula flowers; 0.2 l of vodka. Preparation: pour 200 ml of vodka over the plant material; place the container with the tincture in hot but not boiling water for 30 minutes; then remove and leave for another 2 hours in a dark place; filter through cheesecloth. Application: Rub the sore spot 2 – 3 times a day. Warming up boiled egg Hard boil an egg, remove the shell. Cut in half, cool slightly. Place both halves cut side down on the sore spot and walk until they cool down. This method must be used carefully to avoid burns. Hot bath Accept hot bath within 15 minutes. Then rub the sore spot with an ointment made up of one part ammonia and two parts unrefined vegetable oil. 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: most pain-relieving injections and tablets are contraindicated during pregnancy; Ointments are mainly used only as prescribed by a doctor; vitamin therapy is carried out; it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis in order to clearly distinguish intercostal neuralgia from other diseases; self-medication is unacceptable, as it can cause harm to both the woman and the child.

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 of 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 of correct diagnosis and adequate treatment, 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;
• past 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 a sharp pain. Pathological changes in the spinal column cause muscular-tonic syndrome(muscle tone disorders), which greatly complicates the situation.

Symptoms of intercostal neuralgia

In general, intercostal neuralgia can make itself felt in a number of ways. specific symptoms, which can be observed both comprehensively and selectively. It all depends on individual characteristics 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, cramps, 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 with pathologies cardiovascular system detect concomitant changes in pulse and blood pressure. With damage to the intercostal nerves, this pattern is absent.

In addition, in case of pain syndrome, which is associated with disturbances in the functioning of the heart, changing body position does not affect the intensity in any way. 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 - important stage in treating patients. First of all, it is necessary to exclude heart pathology, since the treatment of intercostal neuralgia and heart diseases require different methods of therapy, and incorrect diagnosis and lost time in case of 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 of the 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:

1. Relieving pain and other manifestations of intercostal neuralgia using tablets.
2. Elimination of pinched and (or) inflammation of the affected nerve.
3. 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:

1. Drug therapy (analgesics and blockades, vitamins);
2. Gentle treatment and limitation of mobility of the spine (chest) at the level of the lesion, wearing a corset;
3. Physiotherapeutic treatment;
4. Manual and reflex therapy;
5. 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 the treatment course 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. Traditional medicine also has 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:

1. Rubbing the affected area with alcohol has a good effect. infusion of birch buds or tincture of valerian. The substances included in these tinctures act similarly to the components of ointments. industrial production. But you should not apply compresses with alcoholic substances at night, since alcohol can cause skin burns.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 a bath (no higher than 37 degrees), add 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 as soon as possible (to avoid probable complications) undergo a full examination and, if necessary, a course of treatment.

Prevention

The essence of preventing intercostal neuralgia is to comply with elementary rules, such as:

1. Watch your diet and lifestyle.
2. Avoid hypothermia.
3. Avoid spinal injuries.
4. Treat internal diseases of the musculoskeletal system in a timely manner.
5. Exercise daily, especially when you are work activity associated with sedentary work. Maintain proper posture.
6. 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, a reflexologist, and a chiropractor take part in the treatment of the disease.