How to treat and prevent rib neuralgia

There are two types of rib neuralgia: primary and secondary. However, whether it is primary or secondary, it will affect the patient's health, life and work. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a scientific treatment method, such as physical therapy, acupuncture or massage.

1. Concept

Costal neuralgia is also called intercostal neuralgia. Intercostal neuralgia is a group of symptoms that refers to the damage of the thoracic nerve roots (i.e., intercostal nerves) due to various reasons, such as thoracic vertebrae degeneration, thoracic vertebrae tuberculosis, thoracic vertebrae injury, thoracic vertebrae dura mater, tumors, ankylosing spondylitis and other diseases or rib, mediastinum, and pleural lesions. The intercostal nerves are compressed and stimulated by the above diseases, and an inflammatory reaction occurs, resulting in a syndrome with band-like pain in the chest, intercostals or abdomen.

2. Clinical types

Intercostal neuralgia is divided into secondary and primary types. Radicular intercostal neuralgia may be caused by diseases such as thoracic vertebra degeneration, thoracic vertebra tuberculosis, thoracic vertebra injury, thoracic vertebra dura mater, tumors, ankylosing spondylitis, etc.; axial intercostal neuralgia may be caused by lesions of the ribs, mediastinum or pleura. Primary intercostal neuralgia is rare. When intercostal neuralgia occurs, pain can be seen radiating from back to front along the corresponding intercostal space in a semicircular shape; the pain is stabbing or burning. The pain gets worse when you cough, take a deep breath, or sneeze. The pain is usually in one nerve on one side.

Physical examination revealed obvious tenderness beside the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae and in the intercostal spaces; patients with typical radicular intercostal neuralgia had a positive neck flexion test; the distribution area of ​​the affected nerves often showed signs of neurological impairment such as hyperesthesia or hypoesthesia.

3. Treatment and prevention

Treatment should identify the primary lesion and adopt appropriate treatment methods. You can use medication, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, etc.

Massage is clinically effective in treating intercostal neuralgia caused by thoracic vertebrae injury or degeneration. This type of patient often has abnormal position of the thoracic spine joints. After correction through thoracic spine reduction technique, the pain can be significantly relieved. Diseases in the thoracic spine should be treated promptly to avoid secondary intercostal neuralgia. Seated workers should pay attention to correct posture and avoid fatigue.