Intercostal neuralgia

definition

The so-called intercostal neuralgia is one certain form of pain, Which triggered by nerves will and between the ribs occurs. Thus, intercostal neuralgia is a symptom which occur in various diseases can. As a rule, the pain is very severe, often stabbing, and usually occurs suddenly and lasts for a long time. They can occur in the chest area as well as in the back area between the ribs.

causes

Since intercostal neuralgia is a symptom and not a disease the term stands for ailments that can be caused by a number of different diseases. Together with other symptoms and a detailed examination, a treating doctor may be able to determine which illness is causing the symptoms.

In diseases of various organs of the body, it is possible that the symptoms radiate into areas of the skin that are not in the immediate vicinity of the organ. Therefore, diseases of the heart, liver and gallbladder should also be considered in the case of long-standing intercostal neuralgia for no apparent cause. Diseases of the spine and the lungs, as well as the ribs themselves, can also be responsible for the symptoms.

Shingles

A common illnesswhich can cause the symptom of intercostal neuralgia is, for example Herpes zoster. The initial infection usually does not cause any symptoms, but the virus remains in the body for life and can e.g. be reactivated in the event of illness or immunodeficiency. Then the so-called Shingles in which, in addition to skin symptoms on the costal arch, intercostal neuralgia also occurs. It is noticeable that symptoms only occur in the skin areas supplied by the affected nerve.

Intercostal neuralgia from cough

Often, people with intercostal neuralgia report that the pain between the ribs increases significantly when they cough or sneeze. The likelihood is that this pain is caused by either the lungs, pleura, or the ribs themselves. On the other hand, other causes, such as organ involvement of the heart or large blood vessels, are relatively unlikely if the symptoms are dependent on cough.

The reason for the increased pain during coughing is the sudden expansion of the lungs and the associated impact on structures that are primarily responsible for the pain. If, for example, a disease of the rib bones or the lungs is the trigger for intercostal neuralgia, these structures are moved when you cough and the pain increases accordingly.

Symptoms

Intercostal neuralgia is characterized by severe pain that occurs in an arch between the ribs. The pain is described as both seizure and prolonged as well as of very high intensity. Sometimes the symptoms can be so severe that breathing difficulties and even fear of death occur. Symptoms are often aggravated by coughing or straining. In addition to the symptoms of intercostal neuralgia, other accompanying symptoms such as abnormal sensations in certain parts of the body or skin symptoms can help the attending physician to find out the causal disease that is responsible for the intercostal neuralgia.

Also read our topic: Pain in the costal arch.

diagnosis

Intercostal neuralgia is a specific symptom that can be caused by a number of different diseases. In order to find out which disease is responsible for the symptoms in the individual case, a Consulted a doctor be which after detailed investigation can make a final diagnosis. For this purpose, the description of the complaints in terms of duration, type and any accompanying symptoms is important. The doctor's physical exam as well as a advanced imaging diagnostics help to find out the disease causing the symptoms.

Duration

The individual duration of an occurring intercostal neuralgia can vary. This depends primarily on the disease that is responsible for the occurrence of the symptom. Depending on the injured structure, the symptoms can last from a few days to months. Intercostal neuralgia, which occurs as part of a rib injury, takes a few weeks for the injury to heal. Pain caused by an infection usually subsides much earlier.

In order to shorten the duration of the pain, it is essential that the correct diagnosis is made and therapy for the disease can be initiated. With the right therapy and targeted measures, the duration of the symptoms can usually be shortened significantly.

therapy

The therapy of intercostal neuralgia is principally aimed according to the underlying diseasewho is responsible for the complaints. However, since in many cases, despite extensive diagnostic examinations, no cause for the occurrence of the symptoms can be found, there is often one Therapy of the symptoms in the foreground. Still, it is essential to have intercostal neuralgia clarified by a doctor allowso that the correct diagnosis can be made, if necessary, and appropriate therapy initiated.

In general, coughing and sneezing can aggravate the symptoms, which is why it is particularly recommended if a cough occurs expectorant drug to take and thus the To dampen throat irritation. Also can pain reliever drugs the group of NSAIDs, for example ibuprofen or diclofenac help to relieve the pain. If these medications are not sufficient to keep the pain under control, they may stronger pain relievers the group of Opioids or muscle relaxing medication is being taken. In some cases, the medication can be injected directly under the skin or into the painful muscle using a syringe.
Another approach that can help treat intercostal neuralgia in addition to drug therapy is one Physiotherapy or massage therapy. A Electrotherapy help to successfully treat the symptom of intercostal neuralgia.

If a cause has been found which could most likely be held responsible for the occurrence of the intercostal neuralgia, it is important to treat it as soon as possible. In case of a infection, this should be treated symptomatically and, if possible, also causally with medication. For example, became a Shingles, so an infection with the Varicella zoster virus found, so-called Antivirals help stop the virus from multiplying and thereby fight the infection.

It is different with Diseases, which the Muscle or bone apparatus affect. As a rule, no causal therapy can be recommended even after these diseases have been identified. However, after a few weeks the injury heals on its own. During this time a symptomatic therapy help to reduce the discomfort.

Diseases of the internal organs which are responsible for the occurrence of intercostal neuralgia can take different courses. In some cases, medication and rest can improve, while other diseases may not be treatable at all.

Intercostal neuralgia and exercise

Physical activity, depending on the type of sport and technique used, has a major impact on the body and can be responsible for a number of different complaints. Intercostal neuralgia is no exception. This can be the case with one Stress on individual muscle groups resulting in nerve entrapment and thus to Pain in the ribs come. Sudden movements or blows to individual structures can also damage structures such as muscles and nerves as well as bones and lead to the symptoms of intercostal neuralgia.

That as "Stitch“However, a well-known phenomenon that often occurs during endurance sports nothing to do with intercostal neuralgia. This is a temporary phenomenon which, according to current theories, either by a Overloading the diaphragm or one insufficient blood supply to the spleen or liver is caused.