Symptoms of intercostal neuralgia in women

Intercostal neuralgia in women is caused by compression of the thoracic spine, and this symptom is persistent pain that seriously affects women's work and rest schedule and can also cause discomfort in the thoracic disc. Intercostal neuralgia in women can manifest as thoracic disc pain and back nerve pain, and can spread to nerves throughout the body. You can learn about the symptoms of intercostal neuralgia in women.

1. Introduction

Intercostal neuralgia is a subjective symptom of the patient. The intercostal nerves extend from the thoracic spinal cord to both sides through the intercostals to the anterior chest wall, innervating the muscles of the back and chest wall beside the corresponding thoracic vertebrae and the sensory branches running along the intercostals. Therefore, intercostal neuralgia is pain in a band-like area that extends from the chest and back along the intercostals diagonally forward and downward to the midline of the anterior wall of the chest and abdomen.

2. Causes

Degenerative protrusion of the thoracic intervertebral disc, thickening and ossification of the joint capsule and ligaments often lead to narrowing and deformation of the nerve channels, which can cause inflammation of the intercostal nerves and produce pain. Other lesions that may affect the intercostal nerves include thoracic tuberculosis, thoracic fracture or dislocation, spinal or spinal cord tumors, ankylosing spondylitis, and rib, mediastinal, and pleural lesions. The pain of herpes zoster intercostal neuralgia is often severe.

3. Clinical manifestations

Intercostal neuralgia refers to pain in one or several intercostal areas that radiates from the back along the intercostals to the anterior wall of the chest and abdomen, in a semi-circular distribution. It is usually unilateral, but can also affect both sides simultaneously. The pain is often made worse by coughing, taking deep breaths, or sneezing. Physical examination may reveal tenderness and percussion pain in the thoracic spinous processes, between the spinous processes or beside the vertebrae. A few patients may have tenderness along the intercostals and paresthesias in the areas innervated by the affected nerves. The pain is usually stabbing or burning, and radiates along the intercostal nerves. Local lesions may be seen in herpes zoster.

4. Diagnosis

To establish a diagnosis, we must first identify it as intercostal neuralgia based on the characteristic distribution of pain. Then, more importantly, we must think of and find out the cause of the intercostal neuralgia, especially considering important diseases that are easily overlooked, such as tuberculosis, tumors, osteoporotic compression fractures in the elderly, and early herpes zoster.

5. Treatment

Treatment should be directed at the cause of the intercostal neuralgia, so the treatment approach should be tailored to the cause established.

Traditional Chinese medicine massage effectively relieves intercostal neuralgia

1. Preparatory posture

Sit down with your waist slightly straight and your feet flat on the width of your shoulders. Overlap the palm of your left hand with the back of your right hand and place them lightly on your lower abdomen. Look straight ahead with your eyes slightly closed, regulate your breathing, relax your whole body, and sit quietly for 1 to 2 minutes.

2. Massage the Dazhui point

Put the four fingers of your right hand together and press them tightly against the Dazhui point. Apply appropriate force and push and rub repeatedly for 0.5 to 1 minute until the area becomes warm.

Efficacy: Dispel wind and cold, regulate lung qi.

3. Massage the Jianjing acupoint

Place the tip of one middle finger on the Jianjing point on the opposite shoulder and massage with appropriate force for 0.5 to 1 minute. Alternate shoulders.

Efficacy: Relax muscles, promote blood circulation and dredge meridians.

4. Pinch the Hegu point

Press the tip of one thumb on the Hegu point of the other hand, and place the other four fingers on the palm of your hand. Press with appropriate force for 0.5 to 1 minute until you feel a sore and swollen feeling. Alternate hands.

Efficacy: Regulates qi and clears the bowels, relieves spasms and relieves pain.

5. Press and rub the Quchi point

Place the tip of one thumb on the Quchi point on the opposite side, and place the other four fingers behind the elbow, pressing and rubbing with appropriate force for 0.5 to 1 minute. Alternate hands.

Efficacy: Soothes wind and dredges meridians, calms the mind.