Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Intercostal Neuralgia
1746874440
Intercostal neuralgia occurs when the nerves between the ribs become irritated or damaged, leading to sharp, burning, or stabbing pain in the chest. These nerves help with sensation and movement, and when affected, pain can radiate to the back, shoulder, or rib cage, often worsening with coughing, laughing, or deep breathing. Some people may also experience tingling or numbness in the affected area.
Several factors can cause intercostal neuralgia, including: ✔️ Injury – Trauma to the chest from accidents or sports injuries can damage the nerves. ✔️ Infections – Shingles (herpes zoster virus) can reactivate and cause nerve pain, even after the rash heals. ✔️ Surgeries – Chest surgeries, including rib fractures or thoracic procedures, may lead to post-surgical nerve pain. ✔️ Unknown causes – In some cases, no clear reason for the nerve pain can be identified.
Treatment focuses on relieving pain and improving function. Options may include: ✔️ Medications, such as anti-inflammatories or nerve pain relievers, to reduce discomfort. ✔️ Nerve blocks or steroid injections, which interrupt pain signals and provide relief. ✔️ Physical therapy, to improve chest movement and prevent stiffness. ✔️ In severe cases, surgery may be considered to release compressed nerves.
For chronic or difficult-to-treat cases, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an FDA-approved, medication-sparing option that helps disrupt pain signals and improve quality of life. On rare occasions, peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) may also be an option, where a small implanted device stimulates the affected nerve to reduce pain. Additionally, regenerative medicine therapies, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or biologic treatments using fat or bone marrow-derived cells, may help reduce inflammation and support nerve healing.
If you're experiencing persistent chest pain or nerve-related discomfort, early treatment can prevent complications and improve daily function. Talk to our team to find the best treatment plan for you.
FAQs
How is intercostal neuralgia typically treated?
Treatment focuses on pain relief and improving function. This may involve medications like anti-inflammatories and nerve pain relievers, nerve blocks, steroid injections, or physical therapy. For severe cases, surgical options or advanced therapies like spinal cord stimulation or platelet-rich plasma injections may be considered.
What are the symptoms of intercostal neuralgia?
Common symptoms include sharp, burning or stabbing pain along the rib cage, which can extend to the back, shoulder, or pelvis. This pain often worsens with actions such as coughing, laughing, or deep breathing. Tingling, numbness, and sometimes muscle twitching in the affected area may also occur.
What factors can lead to the development of intercostal neuralgia?
Factors include traumatic injury, such as rib fractures or sports injuries; viral infections like shingles; complications from chest surgeries; and sometimes unknown causes. Other contributors can include nerve entrapment, tumors, and scar tissue formation.
What is intercostal neuralgia and how does it develop?
Intercostal neuralgia is a condition characterized by sharp, burning, or stabbing pain resulting from irritated or damaged nerves between the ribs. This can occur due to trauma, infections like shingles, post-surgical complications, or even without a clear cause.
What risks are associated with untreated intercostal neuralgia?
If left untreated, intercostal neuralgia can lead to chronic pain, impacting respiratory function and overall quality of life. It may also be mistaken for more serious conditions, such as heart issues, necessitating timely medical evaluation.