Understanding Intercostal neuropathy: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Intercostal neuropathy

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

General

Intercostal neuralgia refers to pain in the intercostal nerves. It may be caused due to irritation, inflammation or compression of the nerves. These conditions are caused due to chest trauma, viral infections such as shingles, nerve entrapment, and injury from surgical procedures.

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Signs & symptoms

Symptoms include pain around the ribs, in the upper chest or in the upper back. Other symptoms may include squeezing pressure around the chest, tingling and numbness. The pain may get worse during physical activities, coughing, laughing or stretching. If the condition progresses, symptoms may include involuntary muscle twitching, loss of appetite, paralysis, and muscle atrophy.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based upon findings from medical history and physical examination. Further evaluation may include imaging tests.

Treatment

Treatment may include over the counter pain relievers, medications such as amitriptyline, desipramine, duloxetine, imipramine, nortriptyline and venlafaxine. Other medications may include anticonvulsant medications. If medications don’t help, a nerve block injection may be done. Other possible treatments include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and relaxation therapy.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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