Doctors have suggested how to distinguish intercostal neuralgia from a heart attack Do not panic ahead of time.

Quite often, when we think “oh, my heart is right,” the problem is not at all in it.. info with link to Domashny Ochag.

What is intercostal neuralgia?

This is pain of a neuropathic nature, which is caused by squeezing or irritation of the roots of the intercostal nerves..

Since the pain is localized in the chest and back, when we feel it, we are usually very scared, since we suspect we have a heart attack..

Most often, intercostal neuralgia affects older people, since they usually "

In children, cases of neuralgia are very rare, and among young people it is usually due to sports or other injuries..

Let's figure out why neuralgia occurs, how it is diagnosed, and when is it time to see a doctor so as not to miss a heart attack.

What are the symptoms of intercostal neuralgia?

The main symptom is chest pain. People describe it as stabbing, sharp, dull, aching, stinging, and / or spasmodic..

Pain can cover the entire chest or radiate to the scapula, lower back, collarbone. Sometimes it feels like it encircles the entire length of the ribs..

Intercostal neuralgia can be long-term or episodic, aggravated by activity - including lifting, twisting, and twisting the torso, exercise, coughing, sneezing, and even laughing.

Other symptoms of intercostal neuralgia may include:.

Abdominal pain Increased temperature Sleep disturbance Itching or creeping sensation Numbness Tingling Limited mobility of the shoulders and back Pain in the arms, shoulders or back Pain is often one-sided and the person involuntarily adopts a posture that minimizes movement of the affected side.

And for what pains you need to call an ambulance?

Intercostal neuralgia is not life threatening (although it can cause severe pain that interferes with breathing). But cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases are very dangerous..

Pain that does not change in intensity with movement, chest compression (and relieved with nitroglycerin) is more likely to be a sign of a heart attack.

But it is better for the doctor to verify this by taking an ECG and conducting other studies..

Please do not self-medicate, even if you have been previously diagnosed with intercostal neuralgia..

You can skip not only a heart attack, but other illnesses, including pneumonia.

Symptoms that require urgent medical attention:.

Chest or rib pain that spreads to the left arm, jaw, shoulder, or back.

Feelings of pressure or tightness in the chest.

Coughing up yellow-green phlegm.

Palpitations or a "

Breathing problems - shortness of breath or inability to take a full breath.

Severe abdominal pain.

Severe chest pain when breathing or coughing.

Sudden dizziness, confusion, fainting.

What are the causes of intercostal neuralgia?

Neuralgia occurs when the intercostal nerves become inflamed, irritated, or compressed.

The reasons for this pain can be as follows:.

Chest Injury - Broken Rib or Bruised.

Viral infections (such as shingles).

Pinched intercostal nerve.

Neuritis (inflammation of a nerve or group of nerves).

Complication after surgery that involved opening the chest.

Diseases of the nervous system.

A tumor in the chest or abdomen that presses on the intercostal nerves - it can be either benign or malignant.

Tightening or straining a muscle in the chest, shoulders, or back.

Hypothermia.

Stress.

Osteochondrosis, scoliosis and other pathologies.

Sometimes the cause of intercostal neuralgia cannot be determined - in this case it is called "

What are the risk factors?

There are a number of risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing intercostal neuralgia.. Among them:.

Herpes virus infection.

Active or contact sports.

Traffic accidents that can injure intercostal nerves or ribs.

Conditions that cause systemic inflammation - such as inflammatory arthritis.

How is it diagnosed

Most people find out about intercostal neuralgia when they see a doctor for chest pain, which they think of as a possible heart attack..

Therefore, the doctor's task is to conduct a full-fledged study to exclude cardiac or pulmonary pathology..

The first step is a physical examination: the doctor examines the area where the intercostal nerves are located - by pressing on various areas, it is possible to assess whether the intensity of the pain changes..

Other research that may be involved:.

Chest X-ray - helps locate the source of pain in the chest, ribs and back, find problems in the airways, bones, heart or lungs.

Peripheral nerve conduction study - evaluates the presence of nerve damage and dysfunction.

Electromyography - evaluates muscles and the nerve cells that control them.

Ultrasound of the musculoskeletal system.

If there are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (diabetes, hypertension, family history of CVD, smoking), the doctor will check the heart function. This uses an ECG, blood test, echocardiography, and possibly a stress test..

Intercostal neuralgia is treated?

Intercostal neuralgia therapy works with both causes and symptoms.

It can include the following steps:.

Local blockade with analgesics or corticosteroids injected around the affected intercostal nerve.

Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Taking antidepressants - scientists have found that they help reduce neuropathic pain.

The use of special ointments that increase blood circulation in the place of discomfort.

Medications for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Together with drug therapy, the following methods will be helpful:.

acupuncture massage physiotherapy and manual therapy use of gentle heat Avoiding intercostal neuralgia?

A healthy lifestyle helps with many conditions, and intercostal neuralgia is no exception..

Good habits and physical activity significantly reduce the risks of developing neuralgia.

Here's what else you can do:.

Drive carefully and always use a seat belt.

Get vaccinated against chickenpox.

Getting vaccinated against herpes or shingles is especially important for those over 60.

Avoid hypothermia.

Use protective equipment when playing sports.

Controlling symptoms of inflammatory diseases.

Monitor your sitting posture.

Avoid a sedentary lifestyle and exercise.

Whatever the cause of pain, staying with us for a long time can lead to problems with sleep, loss of appetite, anxiety or depression..

Therefore, you should not endure intercostal neuralgia or engage in exclusively symptomatic self-medication..

You need to find and eliminate the cause of the pain in order to live a full life and enjoy every day..

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