Intercostal neuralgia is a pain felt along the subcostal nerve located between the ribs.
Causes
- Sneezing, possibly causing displacement of one or more ribs
- Pressure from the abdominal cavity
- There is a malposition of a rib which is either too high or too low. This causes a premature pinching of the subcostal nerve, resulting in breathing difficulties.
- Sneezing, possibly causing displacement of one or more ribs
- Pregnancy
- Pressure from the abdominal cavity
- Ulcère estomac
- Fetal position, the fetus pushes the ribs with its feet, buttocks
- Engorged liver
- Pathological cause: infection, trauma causing a fracture
Symptoms
Intercostal neuralgia is characterized by neuropathic pain in the distribution of the affected intercostal nerve(s) (along the ribs, chest, or abdomen) that usually manifests as a sharp, aching, radiating, burning, or stabbing pain and may be associated with paresthesias such as numbness and tingling.
Therapeutic Approach:
- Relaxation of the intercostal muscle to allow harmonization of the costal movement
