Intercostal pain

Pain in the intercostal space is the main symptom of intercostal neuralgia, which occurs due to compression of the intercostal nerves. The development of the disease most often occurs due to the presence of osteochondrosis.

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Diseases that cause pain in the intercostal space

One of the main symptoms 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. When palpating, painful areas become noticeable: near the spine, in the sternum area. The pain is of a girdle nature, becomes stronger when pressed, often characterized by a feeling of numbness. Symptoms of intercostal neuralgia due to irradiation to the heart area are often similar to the symptoms of angina pectoris. An important difference is that with neuralgia, pain is present constantly, the pulse and blood pressure are normal. With angina pectoris, the pain is pulsating, suddenly appears and just as abruptly subsides, body movement and the intensity of inhalation and exhalation do not affect the pain. Only a specialist can distinguish these symptoms and diagnose the disease, in no case should you self-medicate. If such symptoms occur, consult a cardiologist and neurologist. The beginning of treatment is aimed at reducing pain. Effective methods of treatment are acupuncture, as well as the introduction of drugs into the appropriate points (pharma puncture), vacuum therapy (the so-called cupping therapy). Vacuum therapy improves blood circulation, eliminates congestion, removes harmful substances from the body, supplies oxygen, improves metabolism. This procedure is absolutely painless and quite highly effective. Vitamin B, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with an analgesic effect are also used in the treatment. During the treatment, physical activity should be reduced to a minimum, with special attention paid to special therapeutic exercises. To prevent the occurrence of this disease, one should not overcool, it is advisable to perform basic daily physical exercises. Displacement of joints, damage to ligaments can also cause pain in the intercostal space.

Back and chest injuries are also among the causes of intercostal neuralgia - a broken rib will undoubtedly make itself known in the form of pain in the rib area. Usually, damaged ribs heal on their own, but a doctor should examine the patient to make sure that the lungs have not been damaged.

Pain in the intercostal space can be caused by excessive muscle tone - it intensifies when bending over or moving the shoulders.

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

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 cause of this disease is a long stay in an uncomfortable position - for example, while driving, at the computer, etc. In this disease, a distinction is made between dorsago (piercing, sharp pain in the affected area) and dorsalgia (pain is expressed slightly, gradually increasing). The insidiousness of this disease is that it can imitate pain that occurs with various types of other diseases - appendicitis, ulcers, gastritis, kidney disease, heart disease, etc. The main method of diagnosing the disease is X-ray, consultations with a neurologist are mandatory. Doctors strongly advise people who are engaged in sedentary work to take short breaks, warm up, and self-massage during work.

Costochondritis is the next possible cause of intercostal pain. It is characterized by the presence of swelling of the cartilage at the junction with the sternum. The pain can radiate to the shoulder blade, neck, shoulder. The causes of this disease are not exactly known. NSAIDs, thermal procedures, local injections are prescribed as treatment.

If the pain in the intercostal space is associated with breathing, this may be a sign of pleurisy - inflammation in the lung area. Such pain is not associated with body movements. Characteristic signs: cough, shortness of breath, fever. If you have these symptoms, it is recommended to consult a pulmonologist.

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What to do if you experience pain in the intercostal space?

Depending on the accompanying symptoms, intercostal pain may indicate many types of diseases. If pain occurs, consultations with a neurologist, traumatologist, orthopedist, cardiologist, or pulmonologist are recommended.