Pain in the intercostal space

Pain in the intercostal space is the main symptom of intercostal neuralgia that arises from the compression of the intercostal nerves. The development of the disease is most often due to the presence of osteochondrosis.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]

Diseases that cause pain in the intercostal space

One of the main signs of intercostal neuralgia is pain in the ribs, in the spaces between them. Often the feeling of pain becomes more significant if you take a deep breath, cough. At palpation, painful areas become visible: near the spine, near the sternum. The pain has a shingling character, when pressed it becomes stronger, often characterized by a feeling of numbness. Symptoms of intercostal neuralgia due to irradiation into the heart area are often similar to those of angina pectoris. An important difference is that with neuralgia the pain is constantly present, the pulse and pressure are normal. In angina pectoris, pain of a pulsating nature, suddenly arises and abruptly ceases, body movement and intensity of inspiration and expiration do not affect painful sensations. Distinguish these symptoms and diagnose the disease only under the authority of a specialist, in no case can self-medication. In case of occurrence of similar symptoms address to the cardiologist and the neuropathologist. The beginning of treatment is aimed at reducing pain. Effective methods of treatment are acupuncture, as well as the introduction of appropriate drugs (pharmacopuncture), vacuum therapy (so-called treatment with banks). Vacuum therapy improves blood circulation, eliminates stagnant phenomena, removes harmful substances from the body, supplies oxygen, improves metabolism. This procedure is absolutely painless and rather highly effective. In the treatment also apply vitamin B, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that have analgesic effect. In the process of treatment, physical activity is recommended to be minimized, special attention should be paid to special therapeutic gymnastics. To prevent the appearance of this disease should not be supercooled, it is desirable to perform basic daily exercise. Displacement of joints, damage to ligaments can also cause pain in the intercostal space.

Injuries to the back and chest also refer to the list of causes that cause intercostal neuralgia - fracture of the rib will undoubtedly manifest itself in the form of pain in the costal region. Usually the damaged ribs heal on their own, however the doctor must examine the patient to make sure that the lungs have not been damaged.

Pain in the intercostal space can be triggered by excessive muscle tone - increases with tilting, moving shoulders.

Such a pathology as fibromyalgia is characterized by the presence of painful points, found during palpation. The disease affects women more often, has a close relationship with weather changes, psychoemotional disorders, is accompanied by a feeling of increased fatigue, quick fatigue, headache. For treatment use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, local injections, it is appropriate to use muscle relaxants, antioxidants, a positive effect is provided by massage, mineral water treatment, cold treatment (liquid nitrogen has a powerful therapeutic effect - improves blood circulation, tone, reduces the risk of stress, depression).

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can provoke pain in the intercostal space, caused by disorders in the joints that connect the ribs and vertebrae. Most often, the reason for the appearance of such a disease is a long stay in an uncomfortable position - for example, behind the wheel, at the computer, etc. In this disease, we distinguish dorsago (piercing, acute pain in the affected area) and dorsalgia (pains are slightly pronounced, gradually increasing). The insidiousness of this disease lies in the fact that it is capable of imitating the pain that occurs with various types of other diseases - appendicitis, ulcer, gastritis, kidney disease, heart disease, etc. The main method of diagnosing the disease is X-ray, neurologist's consultations are mandatory. People who are engaged in inactive work, doctors are strongly advised in the process of doing small breaks, warm-up, self-massage.

Edible chondritis is the next possible cause of pain in the intercostal space. Characterized by the presence of swelling of the cartilage at the junction with the breastbone. Pain can be given to the scapula, neck, shoulder. The causes of this disease are not exactly known. As treatment, NSAIDs, thermal procedures, local injections are prescribed.

If the pain in the intercostal space is associated with breathing, it can be a sign of pleurisy - inflammation in the lungs. With the movements of the trunk such pains are not connected. Characteristic signs: cough, shortness of breath, temperature. In the presence of these symptoms it is recommended to consult a pulmonologist.

[7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12]

What if there was pain in the intercostal space?

Pain in the intercostal space depending on the accompanying symptoms may indicate many types of diseases. At occurrence of pains consultations of the neuropathologist, the traumatologist, the orthopedist, the cardiologist, the lung specialist are recommended.