Is intercostal neuralgia serious, and what are its effects?
May 16, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Qifeng
Introduction
Intercostal neuralgia is generally not serious, but its effects may include persistent pain, sleep disturbances, restricted movement, induced allergies, and poor mood. Intercostal neuralgia is an inflammation of the intercostal nerves caused by various factors, leading to pain in the areas innervated by these nerves, which may worsen during coughing or deep breathing. It is a self-limiting condition and usually resolves on its own.
Rib intercostal neuritis is generally not serious, but it may lead to several impacts such as persistent pain, sleep disturbances, restricted movement, induced allergies, and poor emotional state. The specific details are analyzed below:
1. Severity
Rib intercostal neuritis refers to inflammation of the intercostal nerves caused by various factors. Patients may experience pain in the area innervated by the intercostal nerves, which worsens during coughing or deep breathing. Intercostal neuritis is a self-limiting condition that usually resolves on its own. Even in more severe cases, it can be effectively treated and cured with appropriate therapy; therefore, it is considered not serious.
2. Impacts
1) Persistent Pain
Intercostal neuritis is typically a type of neuropathic inflammation, mainly manifesting as stabbing or burning pain. A small number of patients may experience more severe symptoms. Since nerves are involved in sensory perception throughout the body, prolonged illness may cause stronger stimulation to the patient's pain receptors, potentially leading to numbness. Patients should visit a正规 medical facility and, under medical guidance, use heat therapy to help alleviate symptoms.
2) Sleep Disturbance
Due to inflammatory irritation, patients may feel a burning-like pain in the chest area. During sleep, even slight exertion in breathing or turning over can intensify the pain, thus disrupting sleep quality. Patients may take medications such as vitamin B1 tablets or vitamin B12 tablets under medical supervision for treatment.
3) Restricted Movement
The pain associated with this condition typically follows the path of a specific intercostal nerve, covering a relatively wide area. Over time, the pain may spread further, including to the armpit and back regions. Especially during vigorous physical activity, the pain becomes more intense, thereby limiting normal daily activities. Patients may take medications such as celecoxib capsules or indomethacin capsules as directed by their physician.
4) Induced Allergies
Prolonged pain stimulation may lead to abnormal skin sensations in the area innervated by the intercostal nerves, triggering allergic reactions such as rashes and itching. Under medical guidance, patients may use antihistamines such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets or loratadine tablets for treatment.
5) Poor Emotional State
Chronic pain and limited mobility may negatively affect mental health. The persistent pain from intercostal neuritis may contribute to anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. Patients may be prescribed medications such as maprotiline hydrochloride tablets or clomipramine hydrochloride tablets under medical supervision.
It is recommended that patients avoid exposure to cold and prevent colds, as sneezing or coughing increases abdominal pressure, which may exacerbate pain.
