Intercostal neuralgia is pain in the chest, usually the intercostal space, in the heart, in the thoracic spine, between the shoulder blades. It is mainly manifested by shooting pains when moving, which distinguishes it from pain, for example, in the heart. Intercostal neuralgia will always depend on body movement when turning, bending, inhaling, exhaling, coughing and sneezing.
Intercostal neuralgia and pain in internal organs, how to tell?
What causes the pain?
You can determine which doctor to go to by one key factor - if the pain is clearly associated with movement, then in 90% of all cases it is intercostal neuralgia. This pathology is treated by a neurologist-vertebrologist (vertebroneurologist).
Intercostal neuralgia is caused by a spasm of the muscles of the thoracic spine and intercostal muscles where the peripheral nerves are clamped. In fact, this is a pinched nerve in spasmodic muscles. Often such pains are preceded by prolonged exertion, long sitting in one place, in an uncomfortable position, or stress.
For any pain in the chest area, an ECG should be done initially and it is desirable to have a fresh chest x-ray in order to still exclude the pathology of other organs. If these examinations show the norm, immediately go to the vertebrologist for treatment.
Intercostal neuralgia treatment
You will feel the results of treatment in the clinic of vertebrology and neuro-orthopedics "Vertebra" from the very first procedures.
Treatment of intercostal neuralgia consists both in taking NSAIDs and muscle relaxants, and in physiotherapeutic procedures such as massage, electrotherapy, laser therapy, IRT, etc. Only a qualified vertebrologist can choose an individual treatment. At the end of treatment, it is very important to develop an individual exercise therapy and kinesiotherapy program to prevent recurrent pain attacks and prevent diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Sharp pain, what to do?
As soon as you feel a sharp, shooting pain in the chest, including in the region of the heart, and both ECG and X-ray readings are normal, then immediately seek help from a vertebrologist for the fastest possible treatment and to prevent chronic pain. If you delay contacting a specialist, it may take much more time and effort to treat this pathology.
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